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North - Carolina.
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feveral ftrange Beaffs, Birds, Fifbes, Snakes;
Infetts, Trees, and Plants, &c. 7
By Joun BRickett, M.D.
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THE PREFACE.
17 will not be to my purpose to enquire whether
America was known to the Antients, there
i being various Opinions about it, yet with
ate
more Curiosity than certainty, whence this
New World was Peopled; some assigning
that the Hesperides (so called from Hesepurus King of
Spain) and the Continent of America were Peopled by the
Spaniards. Others affirm that the Americans are the Race of
Jews carried into captivity by Salamanazer and placed im
Countrys till then not Inhabited, after a progress of 18
Months. Many believe they were People carried by Storm,
being Chinesses sailing on the Pacifick South Sea, or other
Northern People (allowing the possibility of each Opinion)
I will
iv Preface.
I will not pretend to take upon me to decide the Controversy,
being altogether a stranger to the certainty of the Fact.
The Writings of many Learned Men may be seen on this
Head, who after having search’d all the Records of Antiquity,
shew much Erudiction, but nothing of certainty, concerning
the Antient Affairs of America. I know the Memory of a
Deluge is preserved amongst these People, but whether wt is
to be understood of the unwersal Flood, or the Inundation
of some particular Provinces, I leave it to others to dis-
course upon, for I am willing to lay aside all manner of
Conjectures of this Nature, having enough of Truth to treat
of.
The several Climates of the World have influenced the
People with Natures very different from each other, and
even their different Speeches bear some proportion of
Analogie with their Natures, as is to be seen amongst the
Whites, Indians, and Blacks, that are to be met with in this
part of the World.
But waveing these Discourses, we here present the World
with a Natural-History of North-Carolina, 7 being a com-
pendious Collection, of most things yet known in that part
of the World; wherein I have laid down every thing with
Impartiality and Truth, in the most plain and easie Terms,
which indeed is the Duty of every Writer, and preferable
to a more eloquent Stile, accompanied with many Falsities.
I have therefore endeavour'd in the following Sheets to
give as faithful and exact Account of Carolina, as discoveries
yet
Preface. Vv
yet made will Authorize, and if any take offence at what
is said about the Indians and their wanton and lascivious
manner of living, I hope they will Judge of every Passage
with due deference to good Authority of the most knowing
and substantial Planters in those Parts. And consider that
the nature of the Work required my being somewhat par-
ticular, in order to shew the good and bad Qualities of these
poor Creatures, who at present have no light or benefit of
the Gospel.
And had we been as careful as the Spaniards and French,
im sending over proper Missionaries to Instruct these miser-
able People, we shou’d never have had occasion to give this
Relation of them. Besides if these Methods had been put in
practice, we undoubtedly had been better informed and ac-
quainted with the many hidden Secrets in this part of the
World, which these People are well aquainted with, and
which they never will make known to us till they are In-
structed in the Christian Faith, and have intirely abolished
the many Idolatrous Customs and Practices still prevailing
amongst them.
I have viewed not only most part of the Lands Inhabited
by the Christians, but likewise vast spacious Tracts lying
between them and the Mountains, from whence our noblest
Rivers have their rise, running for several hundreds of Miles
towards the Ocean, while they water and adorn as pleasant
and fertul a Country as any in Europe, the greatest part
whereof 1s only inhabited by Savage Indians, who covet a
Christian
vi Preface.
Christian Neighbourhood for the advantage of Trade. But
not to amuse the Reader any longer with Encomwums on
Carolina, I refer them to my Description of that Country,
and it’s Inhabitants, which they will find in the following
Natural History, in which I have been very exact; and for
Methods sake, have ranged each Species of Animals, Vege-
tables, etc. under distinct and proper Heads.
A Collection of the Natural Curiosities of this spacious
part of the World, will, I hope, not only give Satisfaction
and Pleasure to each Reader, but likewise Profit, to all that
are inclined to live in those Parts.
If these my Endeavours meet with this good success, I
am thoroughly satisfied, having nothing more at Heart than
to be in any Degree serviseable to the Publick; this beng
the principal Motive that induced me to undertake any Work
of this Nature, (the Task being not only Laborious but Dif-
ficult) and not out of any Praise I expected from it.
To conclude, Whatever Defects may be found in this
Undertaking, we hope mm time they will be supplied by the
Labours and Industry of such as shall come after; and this
we are made to expect chiefly from those of our own Nation;
and that their laudable Attempts may meet with just En-
couragement, shall be my constant Wish and Desire.
SUBSCRIBERS.
‘
NOTE.
| HE Narvrat History or Norrn Caroria, writ-
ten by John Brickell, a physician who lived and
| practiced medicine in Edenton, N. C., about 1731,
is the most interesting of the early histories of the State.
Copies of this book are now very rare and difficult to obtain.
Within the past few months a student of the State’s history
-\onsidered himself fortunate in securing one from abroad, at
‘cost of more than $40.
S the growing interest in the State’s history in the past
tew years makes it desirable to place this book within the
reach of readers, the trustees of the State Library have
authorized its republication.
Dr. Brickell’s history is the best description we have of
the natural, social, and economic conditions in the Colony of
North Carolina, but its merits have been obscured and its
value largely depreciated by careless and unjust reviewers.
Jared Sparks and others charged him with plagiarizing
Lawson. Of this, Dr. Stephen B. Weeks says:
“These statements are only partially correct, and do grave
/~+~ justice to Brickell. He acknowledges in his preface that
his work is ‘a compendious collection of most things yet
known in that part of the world.’ But it is a good deal more
than a mere slavish reprint of Lawson. It is further in-
creased almost one-half in bulk. The reprint of Lawson
made in 1860 contains 390 pages, with about 270 words
to the page. Of this space, 106 pages are taken up with his
| ‘Journal of a Thousand Miles Travel.’ This part is not
| used by Brickell. The edition of his work published in
1737 contains 408 pages, about 340 words to the page.
: \ “Brickell took the book of Lawson, reworked it in his own
shion, extended or curtailed, and brought it to his time.
he effect of his professional training is seen everywhere,
for there is hardly a description of a plant or animal which
does not have some medical use attached to it. His work
is fuller, more systematic, and seems more like that of a
student; Lawson’s work seems more like that of a traveler
and observer. There is, besides, much more relating to the:
social condition of the Colony in Brickell, who has a sec-
tion on ‘The religion, houses, raiment, diet, liquors, firing, |
diversions, commodities, languages, diseases, curiosities, cat-
tle, ete.,’ while Lawson sticks close to the natural, economic)
and Indian history of the Province.”
Of Dr. Brickell little is known. Major John W. Me
says that Dr. John Brickell, “the naturalist, physician, and
historian,” and his brother, the Rev. Matthias Brickell, came
with Governor Burrington to Carolina. Dr. Brickell re-
mained at Edenton, while his brother became the first rector
of St. Johns in Bertie County, “which for years was the
only house of worship west of the Chowan River.” :
;
Dr. Brickell appears as a member of the grand jury of
the whole Province, in 1731, and signed a congratulatory
address’ to the King upon the purchase of the Colony by the
Crown from the Lords Proprietors.
While in North Carolina, Dr. Brickell probably rendereu
the Colony some service in a friendly mission to the Chero-
kee Indians, and penetrated far into the territory now in-
cluded in the State of Tennessee. His description of this
journey is most interesting, and though overdrawn, is a dis-
tinct contribution to our history of the habits of the North
Carolina Indians. We have no record of Dr. Brickell’s
career after he left North Carolina.
The Rev. Matthias Brickell is said to have been a man
of power and influence in the Colony, and his son, Col. Mat-
thias Brickell, was a soldier in the Revolution.
1Moore’s History of N. C., Vol. I, page 49.
2Col. Rec., Vol. III, pp. 134-135.
Lm
Note.
Several of the family have been members of the General
Assembly, and though the name is now extinct, numerous
descendants still live in the State.
In reprinting Brickell’s Natural History of North Caro-
lina, the original text is followed as closely as possible. The
original editions do not contain an index, but a copy in the
possession of the writer has been carefully indexed in such
a painstaking, accurate hand, as to appear almost like copper-
plate, and that index is added to this reprint.
J. Bryan Grimes.
REPRINTED BY AUTHORITY
OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
vii
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THE
NATURAL HISTORY
OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
yrrypssr|) HE Province of North Carolina is separated
from Virginia by a due West Line from Cur-
=e ah rituck Inlet, in 36 Degrees and 30 Minutes
ROR of Northern Latitude, extending Indefinitely
Westward, and from thence to the Southward,
including South Carolina, as far as 29 Degrees North.
The Eastern Parts of this Country are hemmed in with a
great number of Islands and Sand Banks, which defend it
from the violence of the Atlantick Ocean; by which Barrier,
a vast Sound is formed, and inclosed, which fronts the Mouths
of the most pleasant and navigable Rivers, in this spacious
and delightful Country. There are vast numbers of Creeks
on the sides of these Rivers, and most of them Navigable
for small Crofts, and abundance for Vessels of larger Bur-
then.
‘A
WEST
A Between
2 The Natural History
Between these Islands and Sand Banks, are Inlets of sev-
eral depths of Water, some admitting only of Sloops, Scoon-
ers, Brigantines, and Vessels of small Burthen, and such are
Currituck Inlet, New Inlet, Roanoke, Gun Inlet, Hatteras,
New Inlet, Huntington-quarter Inlet, Drum Inlet, Bogue
Inlet, Bear Inlet, Brown’s Inlet, Little Inlet, New River
Inlet, Stumpy Inlet, Sandy Inlet, Rich Inlet, Barren Inlet,
Broad Inlet, Shole Inlet, Cabbage Inlet, Wachestaw Inlet,
Wahacau Inlet, and North Inlet: many of these being only
Navigable for Periaugers and small Crofts, by reason of
their many Shoals which are continually shifting by the
violence of Storms, and particularly, North East Winds, to
which they are mostly exposed. Others are large and deep,
and receive Ships of Burthen, such are Ocacok, Beaufort, or
Topsail Inlet, and Cape Fear.
I will here give an Account of the most considerable Inlets
and Havens of this Country. And first, Currituck Inlet, it
being the Northermost of this Province, it lyes in the Lati-
tude of 836 Degrees and 30 Minutes, and the Course over it is
S. W. by W. having not above seven or eight Foot Water on
the Barr, though a good Harbour when you are over, where
you may ride safe and deep enough. But this part of the
Sound is so full of Shoals, continually shifting, and Oyster
Banks, as not to suffer any thing except Periaugers to Trade
through it to Vessels that ride near the Inlet, it not being
Navigable or safe for any Croft that draws above four or
five Foot at most, to pass through it, which renders it very
incommodious for Trade.
Roanoke Inlet, lyes in the Latitude of 35 Degrees and
50 Minutes, and has about ten Foot and a half Water upon
the Barr; the Course over it is almost West, which brings
you through the best of the Channel. This Barr, as well
Currituck
of North Carolina. 3
Currituck, often shifts by the violence of the N. E. Storms;
both these Inlets lying exposed to the said Winds. Not-
withstanding a considerable Trade is carried on by the As-
sistance of Pilots, this part of the Country being very Fer-
tile, and the Planters Rich.
Hatteras Inlet lyes in the Latitude of 35 Degrees and 20
Minutes, it lyes to the Westward of the Cape, round which is
an excellent Harbour, when the Wind blows hard a N. or
N. E. If you keep a small League from the Cape Point, you
will have three, four, or five Fathom Water, the outermost
Shoals lying about seven or eight Leagues from the Shoar.
As you come into the Inlet, keep close to the South Breakers,
till you are over, whereon you may have two Fathom at low
Water. You may come to an Anchor at two Fathom and a
half; when you are over, then steer close aboard the North
Shoar, where is four Fathom close to a Point of Marsh;
then steer up the Sound a long League, till you bring the
North Cape of the Inlet to 8. S. E. half E. then steer W.
N. W. the last Point of thé Bluff Land at Hutteras, bearing
EH. N: E. the Southermost large Hamock, towards Ocacock,
bearing S. S. W. half S. then you are in the Sound, over
the Barr of Sand, whereon is but six Foot Water, then your
Course to Pamticoe is almost West.
It flows on these three Barrs S. E. by E. 34 E. about Eight
of the Clock, unless there is a very hard Gale of Wind at
N. E. which will make it flow two Hours longer, but as soon
as the Winds are down, the Tides will have their natural
Course. A hard Gale at N. N. W. will make the Waters
Ebb sometimes 24 Hours, but still the Tides will Ebb and
Flow, though not seen by the turning thereof, but may be ob-
serv’d by the rising of the Waters, and falling of the same at
the Shoars.
A? Ocacock
4 The Natural History
Ocacock Inlet lyes in the Latitude of 35 Degrees 8 Min-
utes. It is one of the best Inlets in this Country, having thir-
teen Foot at low Water upon the Barr. There are two Chan-
nels, One is but narrow, and lyes close aboard the South ~
Cape; the Other in the middle, viz. Between the middle
Ground and the South Shoar, and is above half a Mile wide.
The Barr itself is but half a Cables length over; then you are
in 7 or 8 Fathom Water, and an excellent good Harbour.
The Course into the Sound is N. N. W. at High Water, and
Neip Tides here is 18 Foot Water. It lies S. W. from Hat-
teras Inlet.
Port Beaufort, or Topsail Inlet, lyes in the latitude 34
Degrees and 44 Minutes, and is above two Leagues to the
Westward of Cape Look-out, where you have a fair Channel
over the Barr, and two Fathom Water thereon, and a good
Harbour, in five or six Fathom, to come to an Anchor. Your
Course over this Barr is almost N. W.
Cape Fear Inlet lyes in the Latitude of 33 Degrees 53
Minutes; it is the best in all North Carolina, where you have
7 Fathom Water at the Barr. You have likewise a fine Har-
bour, and can come with safety to an Anchor 5 or 6 Leagues
up the River.
And notwithstanding it is so commodious for Navigation,
yet few or no Planters settled here till within these few
Years, but now in all Appearance, it seems to be the most
rising Part of all this Province; there being now many Sub-
stantial Planters settled there, and are become very Rich
within the space of Nine or Ten Years, it being little fre-
quented or inhabited before that Time, viz. in the Year 1723.
Most of the other Inlets that I have already mentioned, are
so very incommodious for Trade, that they are little fre-
quented
of North Carolina. 5
quented or resorted to, except it be by small Crofts and Peri-
augers. I shall therefore omit giving any further Account
of them.
North Carolina has some considerable Promontories or
Capes init: That Cape called Hatteras, is the most Northern
of this Province, it lyes in the Latitude of 35 Degrees and
20 Minutes, Longitude 75. Cape Look-out, is the largest in
this Province, extending a great way into the Main Ocean,
and is about two Leagues to the Northward or Mouth of T'op-
sail Inlet, in the Latitude of 34 Degrees and 46 Minutes,
Longitude 75, 50. Cape Fear lyes at the Mouth of the Inlet
in the Latitude of 33 Degrees and 53 Minutes, Longitude 77,
20. Cape Carterett is part of South Carolina, and is the
Northermost Promontorie in that Province, lying to the
Southward of Santee River in Latitude 32 of Degrees, and
50 Minutes, Longitude 77,55. Within these Capes is a very
large Sound, with abundance of Islands of several Sizes,
abounding with various kinds of Timber Trees, many whereof
are fine Cedar, with variety of Wild Beasts, especially Deer,
and great Quantities of Birds, according to the Seasons of
the Year, but there are scarce any of them inhabited by Chris-
tian Planters at present.
I shall in the next Place proceed to give an Account of the
Rivers that are to be met with in this Province; many
whereof are very considerable and large, running for several
hundred Miles, and taking their Rise for the most part in
or near the Mountains, others are but small in comparison
with the former, as may be seen by the Map.
I shall therefore begin with the most Northerly, and so pro-
ceed to the most Southerly. And first, Black-Water, or North
River, which falls into Currituck Sound, North River, Pas-
quotanck
fey)
The Natural History
quotanck River, Little River, Pequimans River, and Yaupwm
River, all these Water and Adorn the Southern Parts of Vir-
ginia, and Northern Parts of this Province, which are very
Fertile. Most of these Rivers being Navigable for Sloops,
Brigantines, and other Vessels of Burthen.
Chowan River likewise Waters the North Parts of this
Province, and part of Virginia, and is very considerable in
these Parts; the Inhabitants on its Banks are very Rich by
its Fertility, and being so commodious for Trade, it is the
fifth large and considerable River in this Province; it falls
into Albemarle Sound.
Keja River is likewise to the Northward of this Province,
but is not very Considerable.
Roanoke River is the largest in this Province, taking its
noble Rise from the Charokee or Appelapean Mountains, and
Watering several Parts of Virginia, as it crosses the due
West Line that separates it from Virginia, it is very comimo-
dious for Trade, being Navigable for a vast way up the Coun-
try, most of the former Rivers empty themselves into this
Albemarle or Currituck Sound.
Maca Punga River, is a North Branch of Pamticoe River,
and admits of Sloops, Brigantines, and other Vessels of
Burthen.
Pamticoe River is the fourth considerable River in these
Parts, taking its Rise near or from the Mountains, and falls
into Pamticoe Sound, with a very large Mouth, several Miles
in Breadth, and is not inferior to any of the other large Riv-
ers, for the goodness of its Navigation, as is manifest by the
many Rich Inhabitants dwelling upon its delightful and fer-
tile Banks.
Bay River is not very considerable, being small, yet its
Trade is not despisable.
Neus
of North Carolina.
“I
Neus River is the Third large River in this Province, but
is not so good as Pamticoe, for Navigation, notwithstanding
its Rise is near the Mountains.
Trent River is a South Branch of Neus River, which falls
into Pamticoe Sound.
North River lyes to the Southward of Neus, and empties
itself into Cour Sound; as do likewise Newport River, Wee-
tock River, and New River; but are not very considerable,
being only Navigable for Sloops and small Crofts.
Black, or Swampy River, is but small, and lyes to the
Northward of Cape Fear River.
Cape Fear River is the Second considerable and large
River, and is one of the best for Navigation in these Parts:
There is a large River which is the Northeast Branch of Cape
Fear River, but is distinguished or called by no proper Name
that I know of at present.
Waggomau River is a Northeast Branch of Pedee River,
and is large, taking its Rise from a great Lake to the North-
ward of the said’ River.
Inttle Pedee River is a North Branch of the following, and
is not large.
Pedee River is the Third large and considerable River in
North Carolina.
Black River, and Santee River are the two Southermost
in those Parts, being part of South Carolina.
One thing worthy of Observation is, That the Current of
all the Rivers in this large Country, are scarce to be perceived,
till you travel several Hundred Miles, or near their Heads,
which is chiefly owing to their being so large, and the Coun-
try so very level.
In many of these noble and spacious Rivers, are abund-
ance of Creeks, several whereof are very commodious for
Trade, being Navigable for several Miles; there are likewise
many
8 The Natural History
many considerable Islands in these Rivers, abounding with
several sorts of Trees, Wild Beasts, especially Deer, and
various kinds of Fowl; they are Inhabited by few or no Chris-
tians at present. In several parts of these Rivers are like-
wise to be seen great number of decayed Cypress and other
large Trees, standing at a great distance in the Water, the
Earth being entirely washed away from them in the series of
many Ages. |
The next thing to be considered, is the Towns and their
beautiful Situation. And first, Hdentown is the largest, con-
sisting of about Sixty Houses, and has been the Seat of the
Governors for many Years, and is pleasantly seated on a
Creek on the North-side of Roanocke River; where you have
a delightful Prospect of the said River.
Bath Town, is the Second considerable Town in this Proy-
ince, and is most delightfully seated on a Creek on the North-
side of Pamticoe River, with the same beautiful Advantages
of the former: It’s Navigation is much better, being the most
considerable and commodious for Trade in this Province, ex-
cept Cape Fear.
Newbern is situated on the South-side of Neus River, with
a pleasant Prospect of that River: This Town has but a few
Houses or Inhabitants in it at present.
Handcock Town is seated on a North West Branch of Neus
River, being above two Hundred Miles from the Mouth of
that River, and is searce worth taking Notice of, only for its
being formerly an Indian Town, and where they had a Fort
in time of War.
Beaufort Town stands on the North-side of Newport River,
it’s prospect being as pleasant as any of the former: It is
small, and thinly inhabited.
Brunswick Town is most delightfully seated, on the South-
side of that Noble River Cape Fear ; and no doubt but it will
be very considerable in a short time, by it’s great Trade, the
Number
of North Carolina. 9
Number of Merchants, and rich Planters, that are settled
upon it’s Banks, within these few Years.
The Streets in these Towns are as level as a Bowling-
Green, there being no manner of Pavement to be met with
over all this Province.
The first Settlement of this Country was made in Queen
Elizabeth’s time, by Sir Walter Raleigh and others, at Roan-
oke, in Albemarle County; but continued not long, either by
Sickness or other Misfortunes, or by the Barbarity of the
Indians, who were very numerous and powerful in those
Days, but are now very few, being for the most part destroyed
by their continual Wars with each other, and Huropean Dis-
tempers, brought in amongst them, and especially the Small-
Pox, which prov’d fatal to most of the Indians that were seized
with it. This Distemper, and many others unknown to these
Savages, before the arrival of the Christians amongst them
in those Parts. I hope it will not be unpleasing to the Reader
to insert here a pleasant Story which still prevails amongst
them; and is attested by the most substantial and credible
Planters of this Place, which is, “That the Ship that brought
“the first Colonies, does often appear to them (in Albemarle
“Sound near Roanoke) under Sail, in a most gallant posture.”
Which they call Sir Walter Raleigh’s Ship.
The second Settlement was made in King Charles the Sec-
onds Time, chiefly in Chowan and Barty Precincts, in Albe-
marl County, by several Persons from Virginia, and other
Northern Colonies, who finding the Soil so very good and fer-
tile, settled here, and are become very Numerous and Rich;
for the Lands here produce every thing Planted in them in
great abundance; Horses, Cows, Sheep, and Swine, breeding
in vast Numbers, the Winter, being very short, and that so
B mild
10 The Natural History
mild, the Planters are at little or no Labour or Expence in
providing Fodder for their Stocks, to what other Northerly
Countries are. For in the Winter they only fell large Trees,
whereon grow long Moss, which the Horses and Cows feed
upon, and makes them both fat and strong; the Cows will pro-
~ duce Milk, with this kind of Fodder, all the Winter Season, in
great plenty. As for Hay, I never observed any made in the
Country, tho’ they have such plenty of Grass, that they are
obliged to burn it off the Ground every 10th of March, by
vertue of a Law made in the Country for that purpose.
These Inducements encouraged them to Settle here, though
but a handful of People, seated at great distance one from
another, amidst such vast Numbers of Savage Indians, of dif-
ferent Nations, who were then in Carolina to be met withal.
The Fame of this Province soon spread itself to the Neigh-
bouring Colonies, and in a few Years drew considerable num-
bers of Families, not only from them, but likewise from sev-
eral Parts of Hurope, who all found Land enough to settle
themselves in, had they been many Thousands more, both for
Pleasure and Profit; which makes the Planters in a great
measure live after a most luxurious manner, and void of Care,
to what other more Northerly Climates are obliged to, by pro-
viding Necessaries for the Winter. So that it may properly
be said, that Nature produces every thing here for the Pleas-
ure and Profit of the Inhabitants.
Most of the Plantations naturally have a very noble and
beautiful Prospect of large and spacious Rivers or Creeks,
abounding with variety of Fish and Wildfowl; as also, pleas-
ant and delightful Savannas or Meddows, with their Green
Liveries, interwoven with various kinds of beautiful and most
glorious
of North Carolina. 11
glorious Colours, and fragrant Odours, which the several Sea-
sons afford, and fenced in with pleasant Groves of the fine
Tulip Tree, Laurel and Bays, equalizing the Oak in bigness
and growth, likewise the Myrtle, Jessamine, Wood-bines,
Honeysuckles, and several other odoriferous Plants, the most
beautiful Vines and Ever-greens, shadow and interwave
themselves with the most lofty Timber, yielding a very pleas-
ant and delightful Prospect, to those that travel through the
Woods of Carolina; that, turn your Eyes, which way you
will, you have nothing but pleasing and diverting Objects,
and the more to be admired, being the Work of Nature, and
not of Art.
The Lands being thus richly adorn’d, and the Planters en-
joying all these Blessings, are as hospitable People as any in
the World, to all that come to visit them, there being few
House-keepers, but what live decently, and give away more
Provisions to Coasters and Guests, that come to see them,
than they expend amongst their own Families.
The Lands in Carolina lie indifferently low and level, no
Rocks, or even small Stones are to be found, till you come
near the Mountains, and the Heads of the great Rivers, where
the best Lands are generally to be met with, abounding with
all sorts of Clover, in great Plenty, but is at present only in-
habited by Savage Indians, of different Nations, or the Habi-
tation of Wild Beasts; and is more healthful to live in, than
where the Plantations are already established.
Here are in several Places large Savannas, beautiful to
behold, which at certain Seasons, appear at a distance like so
many Pleasure Gardens, being intermixt with variety of
Spontaneous Flowers of various Colours, such as the Tulip,
Trumpet-flower, Princess-feather, and several others, with
B: great
12 The Natural History
great quantities of Grass on them, but of a coarser and
stronger Nature than up the Rivers, where there is mostly
Clover to be met with, notwithstanding Horses, and other
Cattle feed very well on the former, and are fat, setae and
fit for Labour, most Seasons of the Year.
There are ieoaeee Perkosons and Swamps, which are good
Pasturage for Cattle; so that by the richness of the Soil, and
the many other Advantages and Blessings that attend the
Planters, they live after a lazy and indolent Manner, to what
those in New England do, and other Northerly Countries are,
by providing Necessaries for Winter.
Lands are so very Cheap, that (after you have taken out
your Patten for Six Hundred and forty Acres, which will
cost three or four Pounds Steril. or the Value in Carolina
Money) you pay at the dearest, for the said Number of Acres,
Sia Shillings and Six pence Sterl. Yearly, and at the lowest
three Shillings and three Pence, free from all Taxes at pres-
ent: So that with moderate Industry may be acquired all
manner of Necessarys for the Support of a Family, though
never so Numerous, nothing being wanting there but a suf-
ficient Number of Hands, and Industry, to make it as fine a
Country as any in the World.
They Plant or Sow all their Corn by one Plough, or the
Hoe, and several Plantations have produced Indian Corn, or
some other Grain every Year, since the Settlement of the
Christians in those Parts, without any Manure, and yet seems
not to be the least Impoverished, producing continually a
good Crop, unless a bad Season prevents, which seldome hap-°
pens in Carolina.
And, I am satisfied, that there cannot be one greater Argu-
ment in the World, to prove the goodness and fertiltie of the
Lands
ie a i i
of North Carolina. 13
Lands than this, which is one of the greatest Blessings that
ean attend a Country where there are so few Hands to Manu-
_ facture the Lands after that laborious Manner, which is cus-
tomary with us, which every Farmer in Ireland is well ac-
quainted with, who is at continual Expence for Servants,
Horses, and many other Necessaries to improve his Lands to
the best Advantage.
The Lands of Carolina consist of different Sorts of com-
post, in several Places, some Stiff, others Light, some Marle,
others a rich Black Mold, some Sandy, one Part Pieny,
another large Timber Trees, others Savannas, with variety
of beautiful Flowers and long Grass, a rich black Earth,
where scarce any Tree will grow, yet produces the best Wheat
and Rice of any Land in these Parts, as has been experienced
by the Planters.
IT have seen several of these Savannas some Miles in length
and breadth, but are little regarded or made use of by the
Planters, by reason that they are at some distance from their
Plantations, some being two, three, or four Miles from the
Water side, and are only Pasturage for Cattle. The Reader
must understand, that all the Inland in this Province lyes
waste at present.
Other Lands in this Province are Perkosons, where large
Cypress Trees grow, others Swamps, where hollow Canes,
Myrtle Trees and several sorts of Vines grow, and produce
good Pasturage for Cattle, but are generally the Habitation
of wild Beasts; both these being very wet and low Lands, and
so full of Canes and Underwood, that there is no passing
through them, many of which are several Miles in length.
The Indians in their Hunting Matches set these Places on
Fire at certain Seasons of the Year, by which Means they
drive out the Game, and kill vast Numbers of them.
The
14 The Natural History
The Planters for the most part live by the Water side, few
or none living in the In-land parts of the Country at present,
though the Lands are as good and fertile as any that are yet
inhabited; but not so commodious for Carriage as by the
Water, for most part of the Plantations run but a Mile back-
ward into the Woods, so that betwixt every River you shall
see vast Tracts of Land lying waste, or inhabited only by
wild Beasts: What is worthy of Observation is, That almost
every Planter may have a convenient Dock upon his Planta-
tion, and a sufficient Quantity of good Timber to build Ships
and Boats withal.
Wa Oo VO VO Mo VO VO MO VO VMS IS VO VO YO VS YO Me VS IV VO VS
OF THE CORN OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
HE Wheat of this Province is very good and fair, the
Flour very White, but the Grain is not altogether so
large as ours, yet it seldom yields less than thirty Meas-
ures for one sown; not but that there has been Sixty Increase
for one sown in Piney Land, which is accounted the worst Soil
in the Country, and I have been credibly inform’d, that the
Wheat which was Planted in the Savannas, and such like rich
Soil, has produced a Hundred for one Measure Sown. These
considerable Increases prevent the Planters to make strict and
nice Observations of the Nature and Goodness of the Soil;
for I never saw one Acre of Land managed as it ought to be,
and were they as Negligent in their Husbandry in Hurope,
as they are in North Carolina, their Land would produce
nothing
of North Carolina. 15
nothing but Weeds. And I must confess, when some of the
Planters enquired of me how we managed the Land in [re-
land, and what Labour and Expence we were at in ordering
them to the best Advantage, it seemed very surprising to
them how we could live, and especially when I told him, that
we paid from three Shillings to four or five Pounds per Acre
(besides many heavy Taxes) which Relation they could by no
means give Credit to, but looked upon what I said as meer
Romances or Tales, to impose upon their Credulity. —
The Rye thrives very well here, but they having such
Plenty of Maiz, in this Province, they little regard or value
it, and especially by Reason of the Blackness of the Bread it
makes.
The Barley does much better here than may reasonable be
expected from their Management of it, that Grain requiring
the Ground to be well Wrought, with repeated Plowings to
make it Mellow, which their general Way of breaking with
Hoes will never perform; though I have seen extraordinary
Barley produced in North Carolina, after that manner, or
with one Plowing only.
Oats does well here, but the vast Plenty of other Grain
prevents their propagating of it in many Places, so that it is
not common in these Parts of America at present.
The Rice, whereof there are several Sorts, some Bearded,
others not, beside the White and the Red, but the White is
best. The Rice. of Carolina is esteemed as good as any
brought to Hurope, and is of a prodigious Increase, yielding
from eight Hundred to a Thousand for one Measure that is
sown. It grows best in their Wet and wild Land, that hath
not been cultivated or broken up before. The Indian-Corn
or Maize is most commonly Planted with the Hoe, and proves
the
16 The Natural History
the most useful Grain in these Parts, being in great Plenty
all over this Province; it is very nourishing in Bread Sodden
or otherwise, as appears by those that continually feed upon
it, making them strong, able, and fit for hard Labour. It
grows in all manner of Ground except Barren Sands; but
when Planted in good Ground, produces for one Measure,
Seven or eight Hundred, at the lowest Computation that can
be made. Pigs and Poultery fed with this Grain, eat the
sweetest of all others.
The Millet does very well here, especially in light and loose
Ground, they sow it in April and May, and prospers best in
moist and rainey Weather: The Plenty of other Grain, pre-
vents the Planters from sowing much of it, being only made
Use of in Carolina to fatten their Poultry with.
There are two Crops of Corn in the Year, viz. the Huro-
pean Wheat is generally cut down first, and in their Barns
the beginning of June, then they immediately Plow, Sow, or
Plant the same Ground with Buck-Wheat, or Indian Corn,
which wonderfully increases, and is ready to be brought home
in September, October, or November, with which they gener-
ally feed their Horses, Hogs, and Poultry.
The Guinea Wheat thrives likewise very well here, and
serves for the Uses of the former.
There are several sorts of Pulse in this Province; and first,
the Bushel Bean, so called from producing a Bushel of Beans
or more from one that is Planted; they are a Spontanious
product in Carolina, and are Set in the Spring round Ar-
bours, or near long Poles set in the Ground for that purpose,
where they make a good Shade to sit under in the extreamity
of hot Weather; they continue Budding, Flowing, and Ripen-
ing all the Summer, until the approach of Frost, which pre-
vents
of North Carolina. 17
vents their farther Growth, and so dye; they climb prodigious
high, and their Stalk is about the thickness of a Man’s
Thumb, the Pod grows like the Kidney Bean, but the Bean
is flat, white, or mottled, with a purple Colour: They are
extraordinary good, and well relished Pulse, either by them-
selves or with Meat.
The Indian Rouncwal, or Miraculous Pea, so called from
their long Pods and great Increase. These are a late Pea,
and require a pretty long Summer to ripen and bring them to
Perfection, they are a good Pulse, and in great plenty all
over this Province with Christians and Indians.
The Bonavis is another kind of Pulse, and yields a great
Increase, it doth not require so long a Summer to ripen as
the former, they grow like Kidney-Beans, and are very plenty
in this Province.
The Calivances are another kind of Pulse, resembling the
former, but are not so flat, they are in great plenty in most
of the Plantations amongst the Indian Corn. These and the
Bonavis, afford two Crops in the Year, and are generally ripe
and in full perfection in six Weeks time.
The Nanticoacks are another kind of Pulse, and resemble
the Calivances, and are in great plenty all over this Province.
There are several other kinds of Pulse in this Province
that we have no Name for, which are well known amongst
the Indians, and are excellent Food.
The Kidney-Bean, is likewise here in great plenty, grow-
ing for the most part in every Corn-Field. The Indians had
these four Sorts of pulse, viz. the Bonavis, Calivances, Nan-
ticoacks, and Kidney-Beans, and several other sorts, long
before the Arrival of the Huropeans amongst them; which
Report I have had affirmed several times, not only from the
Christians, but likewise from the Indians in these Parts.
2 C The
18 The Natural History
The large Zuropean-Bean, will in two or three Years de-
generate into a dwarfish Kind, if not prevented by a new Sup-
ply of Foreign Seed, as I have experienced during my stay
in those Parts; yet these Dwarfish sort become sweeter, and
better relish’d, than any Bean of the same Sort in Hurope;
but these kind of Beans are very little regarded or made use
of, and therefore seldom Planted, by reason the other Pulse
are in such Plenty all over this Province.
I have observed several sorts of Huropean-Pease in this
Province come to as great Perfection, as in most Parts of
Europe, particularly the white and gray Rouncival, the Hot-
Spur, the Dwarf, the Field and the Sickle-Pease; and there
is no doubt but that all other kinds of Huropean-Pease would
thrive well here had any tryal been made.
The Garden Roots that thrive here are Parsnips, Carrots,
Skirrets, Turnips, Ground-Artichoakes, Garden-Radishes,
Horse-Radishes, Potatoes of several sorts, and very large,
some whereof weigh four Pounds; Leeks, Onions in great
plenty, and excellent good Shallots, Cives, Garlick, and wild
Onions, Beets, and most other Roots that are to be met with
in Hurope.
The Sallads are the curl’d Cabbage, Savoy, Lettice, round
prickly Spinage, the sweet and common Fennel, Endive,
Succory, Mint, the Dock or Wild Rhubarb, Cresses of several
sorts, as Winter, Garden, Indian, Sciatica, Water-Cresses,
and many more; French and English Sorrel, Purslain two
sorts, viz. the Tame and the Wild; which are so plenty, that
they are common Weeds in their Gardens, the Leaf is not as
large as the Tame, but as good; the Planters boil it with their
Salt Meat for Greens, this is never to be met with in the
Indian Plantations; and is supposed to be produced from
the Cow-Dung, which Beast the Indians keep not amongst
them.
Samphire,
of North Carolina. 19
Samphire, is in very great Plenty along the Marshes near
the Sea and Salt Water, and is very good.
Mushrooms, good and in great Plenty all over the Fields.
Asparagus, thrives in this Province to a miracle, without
the assistance or benefit of Hot-Beds, Dung, or other Manure,
being only produced from the natural goodness of the Soil,
and it is found in Plenty in most Gardens in this Province,
and as good as any in Hurope. As likewise Selery and Clary.
Parsley, two Sorts, the White-Cabbage, from Huropean
Seeds thrive well here, but the planters seldom or never take
Care or Pains to preserve good Seed of their own; so that by
their Negligence, it is not so common as otherwise it might.
The Colly-Flower does not thrive well here, by what tryals
I have seen made during my abode in those Parts; but the
plain and curled Coleworth, flourisheth.
The Artichoak I have observed but in two Places in this
Province, which is tollerable good, here are likewise great
quantities of excellent good Water-Mellons of several sorts,
Musk-Mellons, very good and of several sorts, as the Golden,
Green, Guinea, and Orange. Cucumbers, long, short, and
prickly, and all produced from the natural Ground with great
Increase, without any help of Dung, or reflection from
Glasses.
Pompions, yellow and very large Burmillions, Cashaws,
which is an excellent Fruit when boyl’d, Squashes, Symnals,
Horns and Gourds, besides variety of other Speces of less
value, such as the Poke, which is a kind of Mechoacan, and
grows in every Field, the tender Tops whereof may be boiled
and made use of as other Greens with all the safety immagi-
nable, and are very good and nourishing, but the Roots
(which are as thick as a Man’s Leg) are not to be medled
with,
20 The Natural History
with, being in their Nature violent Purgers, and occasion
those that eat of them to be frantick for some time, though
I have never heard of any farther Mischief done by them.
Lambs-Quarter, and various kinds of Salleting, too tedious
to mention.
The Pot-Herbs, and others which are useful in Physick
are common here, and are as follows, Angelica, two sorts,
viz. the Wild and the Tame, Balm, Bugloss, Borrage, Bur-
net, Marygold, Pennyroyal, Rue, Marjoram, two sorts, Swm-
mer and Winter Savory, Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, Hys-
sop, which grows very large, Sweet Bazil, Groundsel, Derg,
red and white, Nep or Cat-mint, Mallows several sorts, Tan-
say, Columbine, Dandelion, Wormwood, Southernwood, Bas-
tard Saffron; and several sorts of Mustard.
The more Physical Plants are Ams, Asarabacca, growing
in most Places in the Woods; Cardus, Benedictus, Caraway,
Cummin, Coriander, Scurvy-Grass, two sorts; the one from
Europe, and the other Spontaneous.
_ In these Parts Tobacco of many sorts, Dull, all the Huro-
pean sorts of Plantain, and two Spontaneous, Hlecampain,
Archangel, or Dead-Nettle, the Stinging-Nettle, the Seed
being brought from Hurope, there being none found growing
Spontaneous in North Carolina—Comfery, Monks-Rhubarb,
Burdock, Featherfew, Wormfeed, Garden-Poppies, none yet
being discover’d growing Wild in this Province. Grownd-
Ivy is Spontaneous, but much smaller than the Huropean;
Perewimnkle growing in great plenty in most parts of the
Woods; Golden-Rod, several sorts of Horehound, Melilot,
Bastard-Lovage. The Rattle-Snake-Root, whereof there are
three sorts, and is so called, because it alone cures the Bite
of the Rattle-Snake; it is very plenty in all the Savannas
and Woods. Snake-Root, four sorts in Carolina; Purging
Bindweed or Scamony, growing in most parts of this Prov-
ince.
The
of North Carolina. 21
The Ipecacuana grows likewise in great Plenty in this
Province, which I frequently made Use of during my stay
in that Country, with as good Success as any I have ever
met with in Hurope. This Herb bringeth forth one or more
Stalks, which are Quadrangular, about a Foot high, whereon
grow Leaves confusedly set at certain distance one from the
other, unless at the Top, where they grow one opposite to the
other, something like Purslain, but more sharp, and of a
dark green colour, with a red circle about the Edges, and
divided with Threads or Sinews in the middle, which perish
in Winter. I am not certain whether it beareth Flowers
or Seed; the Root is so well known in every Apothecary’s
Shop, that it would be needless to trouble the Reader with
a farther Description about it. This and the Scamony grow
in high Sandy Ground, in many Places in Carolina. Oak
of Jerusalem, Indian-purger, Swallow-wort, Palma-Christi,
several sorts of Mint, Red-Dock, Jamestown-Weed, so called
from its being so very plenty in Virginia, especially on both
sides of James’s River: The Seed it bears is exactly like that
of an Onion, but it’s Leaves are very coarse and large, and
indented about the Edges; it is excellent good in asswaging
all manner of Inflammations, and curing Burns, by applying
it outwardly, with which the Indians are well acquainted,
but if it be taken Inwardly, it immediately occasions a Gid-
diness and Madness, so that you shall see those that take it
(which most commonly happens to Children) run up and
down the Fields in a most distracted manner, during its
Operation, but does no further Mischief.
There is another Weed, vulgarly called the Swamp-Lillie,
which grows in the Marshes and low Grounds, and is some-
thing like our Dock in its Leaves, and hath the same Effect,
and
22 The Natural History
and possesses the Party with Fear and Watchings; though
few have had the Tryal, or felt the Effects of these intoxica-
ting Plants, except Boys and Children; it is hkewise used
with good Success in Inflammations and Burns, as the former.
Camomil thrives well here, but it must be Planted under
a Shade, otherwise it comes to little or no Perfection.
The Red-Root, the Leaves whereof are like those of Spear-
mint, is used with good Success for Thrushes, and sore
Mouths.
Vervine is very common here, being Spontaneous. House
Leek, being first brought from Hurope. Night-shade of sev-
eral kinds, Yarrow and Mullein, in plenty, both being Spon-
taneous. Harts-Tongue, Polypodiwm of the Oak; the greater
Centaury, in great plenty; but I never observed any of
the Lesser growing in this Province. Prickly Bind-Weed,
Larks-Spur, Hops, Flax and Hemp, the best and finest in
the known World groweth in North Carolina.
Tisinaw, or Bastard China-Root, these grow in great Clus-
ters, together, and have a stalk like a Brier, whereon grow
small Black-Berries, the Indians boil these Roots and eat
them, and sometimes make them into Bread.
Sarsaparilla, White Hellebor, several sorts of Thistles,
Fern, Male and Female, Liquorice, Oris, Water-lillies, Peony,
Male and Female, Solomons-Seal, Agarick, Coloquintida,
Guinea-Pepper, Water-Flag, Flower de Luce, Betony, Shep-
herds-Purse, Chervil; Coffee, whereof they begin to plant
much, within these few Years; Jessamine, Pellitory of
Spain, Cloud Herb, by the Indians eall’d Yaughth. Straw-
berries are in such Plenty in the Season, that they are Feed-
ing for Hogs; Narcissus, Daffodil, Snow-Drops, Wall-
Flowers, Bloodwort, the white and red Jullie, Stargrass,
which is used with good Success in most Fevers in this Coun-
try; Rushes of several sorts; the Herb Mastick, Indian-all-
heal.
of North Carolina. 23
heal, Cinquefoil, or five leav’d Grass, Rib-wort, which is a
kind of Plantain; Pellitory of the Wall, this Herb grows
very plentiful on the Ground, there being no Rocks or Stone
Walls for it to grow upon; Shepherds-Needle, Rosa-Solis,
or Sun-dew; several sorts of Sage being first brought from
Europe; Misseltoe of the Oak, in great Plenty all over this
Province, whereof good Birdlime is made.
There are several sorts of Beautiful Tulips growing Spon-
taneous in this Province: The T’rumpet-Flower, so call’d
from its resembling the Form of that Instrument, and is of
a beautiful Orange colour.
The May-Apple, so call’d from its having Apples in the
Month of May; it grows upon one Stalk like the Wood-
Sorrel, about half a Foot high, and has Leaves like it, but
very near as large as a Man’s Hand, underneath which grow
one Apple on each Stalk, about the bigness of a Musket Ball:
This Plant is of a very strong Purging nature, and is fre-
quently made use of in these Parts for several Disorders
with good Success.
The Sun-Flower, the Indian-Figg, or Prickly-Pear, the
Fruit of this Vegetable is frequently eaten, and is very sweet
and luscious, but occasions such a high Tincture in the Urine,
that it seems like pure Blood; by which means several Per-
sons that have been unacquainted with its Effects, have been
so surprized, that they expected nothing but immediate
Death; yet it does no manner of harm, and as soon as its
Operation is over, which is in less than twenty-four Hours,
the Urine resumes its natural Colour, and the Patient, tho’
almost out of his Senses, becomes easy and well. There are
various Kinds of Physical Plants growing in their Gardens,
the Seed being brought from Hurope and other Parts.
Thus have I given an Account of some of the Plants grow-
ing in this Country, yet not of the hundredth Part of what
remains ;
24 The Natural History
remains; a Catalogue of which, would be a Work of many
Years, and more than the Age of one Man to perfect, or bring
into a regular Classes, this Country being so very large, and
different in its Situation and Soil; so that what one Place
plentifully produces, another is altogether a Stranger to:
Yet it is generally to be observed, that the greatest Variety
is to be found in the low Grounds and Savannas.
The Pleasure Gardens of North Carolina, are not yet
arrived to any great Perfection, or Adorned with many beau-
tiful fragrant Flowers; there being only some few Rose-
Trees, Bead-Trees, Orange-Trees, Clove Gilly-Flower, Pinks
of several sorts, Sweet-William, Cowslips, Lavender-Spike,
and Lavender-Cotton, Violets, Princess-Feather, Tres-Col-
ores, and such like: But their Kitchen Gardens are very
good, abounding with most sorts of Necessaries for that Use.
I will give an Account of the Climate, and so proceed to
the Present State of North Carolina.
This Climate is very Healthful, and is not so Hot in the
Summer as other Countries to the Eastward, in the same
Parallels of Latitude; neither is the Country subject to Earth-
quakes, as Italy, and many other Hot Countries are: The
Sky is generally very serene and clear, and the Air very thin
and pure; and though we have but little Rain, yet the con-
stant Dews that fall in the Night, sufficiently refresh the
Ground, and supply the Plants with Moisture.
The North West Winds in the Winter, occasion very sharp
and piercing Weather, the North East Winds blowing in
the Winter, bring with them thick Weather, and in Spring
some times Blight the Corn and Fruits of the Earth, but they
very seldom continue long, being carried off by Westerly
Winds, which are the most pleasant and healthful we have
in these Parts of the World. And though these Northerly
Winds
eer ee
of North Carolina. 25
Winds cool the Air in Summer and are very pearcing in the
Winter, yet they are of no Continuance.
Southerly Winds cause very hot and unwholsom Weather,
and often occasion Fevers, and other Disorders in these
Parts. The Spring and Fall are the most delightful and
pleasant Seasons of the Year, being neither too Hot or too
Cold; and though these Seasons are very pearcing, yet the
Cold is of no Duration, and are in a great Measure owing to
the Winds shifting from one Point to the other; for South-
erly Winds will occasion it to be warm in the midst of Winter,
as with us in April, and the North East Winds will on the
contrary, make it cool in the midst of Summer.
The Weather is generally pretty moderate till after Christ-
mas; then the Winter comes on apace, and continues variable
till the midle of February, according to the Winds, some-
times warm and pleasant, at other times Rain, Snow, or
Frost, but the Ice is seldom so strong as to bear a Man’s
weight.
In the Year 1730, we had the most agreeable and pleasant
Summer that has been known for many Years, and the Win-
ter most severe.
In the Months of August and September we frequently
have very great Storms and Squals of Wind, and it is remark-
able for two or three Days before they break forth, that the
Clouds seem to hang down very thick and pressing towards
the Earth, and scarce a breath of Wind to be perceived for
the said time; they are sometimes so very violent, that they
make Lanes through the Woods by tearing up Trees by the
roots.
These Storms are generally attended with most violent
Claps of Thunder and Lightning, and pouring with Rain all
the time they continue, which are very dreadful whilst they
D last ;
26 The Natural History
last; and I have seen old decay’d Trees, and especially the
Pitch-Pine, frequently set on Fire by these violent claps of
Thunder and Lightning, and sometime Trees in their Bloom
tore and split in Pieces, yet I have seldom known or heard
of any farther Dammage.
There are prodigious Water-Spouts to be seen in this Coun-
try, which are the forerunners and certain Signs of Storms
and bad Weather, which quickly follow after them: These
Water-spouts are vast exhalations of Water running out of
the Clouds like little Rivers, and are generally to be met with
at Sea and near the Shores, but seldom or never at Land;
and are to be seen at a great distance, resembling all the
colours in the Rainbow; it is said they are dangerous to be
met with at Sea, for fear of falling upon their Vessels, for
which reason when they espie them near at Hand, they fre-
quently fire their great Guns to break them in the Air, be-
fore they come near the surface of the Water, as I have been
credibly informed by several Masters of Ships; for I have
never seen them otherwise than at a great distance. There
are no regular Tides in Carolina, but what are occasioned
for the most part by the Winds shifting from one Point to
another.
THE
of North Carolina. ae
THE PRESENT STATE
OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
HIS Province, and South Carolina, were granted by
King Charles 11. March the 24th in the Fifteenth Year
of his Reign, and Confirmed by Letters Patents bearing
Date, June the 18th. in the 17th. Year of his said Majesty’s
Reign, to the following Lords Proprietors, (viz.) Hdward.
Earl of Clarendon; George, Duke of Albemarl; William,
Earl of Craven; John, Lord Berkeley ; Anthony, Lord Ashley ;
Sir George Carterett, Knight, and Baronet ; Sir John Colleton,
Knight, and Baronet; and Sir William Berkeley; who pos-
sessed them until the Year 1729: At which time King
George II. Purchased them from all the said Proprietors,
excepting the Lord Carterett, who still retains his Eighth
Part. Whilst it remained in the Hands of the Proprietors,
D: they
28 The Natural History
they had a Governor who acted for them until the Year
1731, at which Time his Majesty sent over Governor Bur-
rington, who was the first Governor after the King had made
the Purchase, and with him came most of the Superior
Officers; such as Secretary of the Province, Chief Justice,
Attorney General, Provost-Marshal, and Naval Officers, the
rest were at his arrival in the Country, but Nominated by
the King, such as Surveyor General, Judge of the Admiralty,
Comptrollers and Collectors.
They have two Houses, which resemble the two Houses
of Parliament with us. The first or Upper-House consists
of twelve Members and the Governor; in this House are
heard all Chancery Suits, and other Causes that cannot be
decided in the Inferior Courts; from whence there can be no
Appeal, except to Hngland.
The Lower-House consists of thirty tive Members, being
the most knowing, discreet and substantial Planters, chose
out of each Precinct and Borough. In this and the Upper-
House, are made all manner of Laws for the Safety and
better Government of this Province. But whatever Laws
are here made must be conformable to the Laws of Hngland,
and in no wise repugnant thereto. And such Laws as are
made in these two Houses by the Governor, Council and
Burgesses, are all recorded, and are as authentick and bind-
ing there, as our Acts of Parliament are with us.
There are likewise two other Courts in this Provinee, viz.
the Precinct-Court, which is held in every Precinct of this
Province, being much of the same Nature of our Court-
Leets, or Court-Barons. The other is called the General-
Court, which is held twice every Year, as the former is four
times. This is much the same as our Assizes, where all
Causes
of North Carolina. 29
Causes relating to Life and Death are heard, where the Chief
Justice sits as Judge, and determines all Causes within the
Jurisdiction of this Court. In the Precinct-Court, the Jus-
tices of the Peace sit on the Bench, and decide all Contro-
versies brought before them. This Court upon any Griey-
ance can Appeal to the General Court for Justice, and
the General to Chancery. The Governor by the Power in-
vested in him, Commissions all Justices of the Peace, and
all Officers in the Militia, who upon any Occasion may call
his Council, to advise with them, upon any Emergency that
is necessary, or expedient, for the good and safety of the
Country.
There are abundance of Attorneys in this Province, who
are Licenced by the Governor, yet all Law-Suits are quickly
decided in Carolina, to prevent the Planters ruining each
other, as is too frequent to be met with amongst us.
These, and many other good Laws, that are to be met with
in this Province, make it one of the best and mildest Govern-
ments to live under in all America. Whoever consider the
Latitude and convenient Situation of Carolina, may easily
inform themselves, that it is a most delightful and fertil
Country, being placed in the same Latitude or part of the
World which produces Wine, Oil, Fruit, Grain and Silk,
with many other rich Commodities, besides a sweet moderate
and healthful Climate to live in with all manner of Plenty,
which are as great blessings as can attend any People upon
Earth, which the Planters of Carolina at this Day enjoy,
being subject to no vexatious Taxes, or Racking Landlords,
to give them the least uneasiness or discontent.
The
30 The Natural History
The Planters by the richness of the Soil, live after the
most easie and pleasant Manner of any People I have ever
met with; for you shall seldom hear them Repine at any
Misfortunes in life, except the loss of Friends, there being
plenty of all Necessaries convenient for Life: Poverty being
an entire Stranger here, and the Planters the most hospi-
table People that are to be met with, not only to Strangers
but likewise to those who by any Misfortune have lost the use
of their Limbs or are incapable to Work, and have no visible
way to support themselves; to such Objects as these, the
Country allows Fifty Pounds per Annum for their Support.
So there are no Beggars or Vagabonds to be met with Strowl-
ing from place to place as is too common amongst us.
The Country in general is adorned with large and Beauti-
ful Rivers and Creeks, and the Woods with lofty Timber,
which afford most delightful and pleasant Seats to the Plant-
ers, and the Lands very convenient and easie to be fenced in,
to secure their Stocks of Cattle to more strict Bounderies,
whereby with small trouble of Fencing, almost every Man
may enjoy to himself an intire Plantation.
These with many other Advantages, such as the cheapness
and fertility of the Lands, plenty of Fish, Wild-fowl, Veni-
son, and other necessaries that this Country naturally pro-
duces, has induced a great many Families to leave the more
Northerly Plantations, and come and settle in one of the
mildest Governments in the World, in a Country that with
moderate Industry may be acquir’d all Necessaries conveni-
ent for life; so that Yearly we have abundance of Strangers
that come amongst us from Europe, New-England, Pensil-
vania, Maryland, and from many of the Islands, such as
Antegua,
of North Carolina. 31
Antegua, Barbados, and many others, to settle here; many
of whom with small Beginnings, are become very Rich in a
few Years.
The Huropians, or Christians of North-Carolina, are a
streight, tall, well-limb’d and active People; their Children
being seldom or never troubled with Rickets, and many other
Distempers that the Huropians are afflicted with, and you
shall seldom see any of them deformed in Body.
The Men who frequent the Woods, and labour out of
Doors, or use the Waters, the vicinity of the Sun makes Im-
pressions on them; but as for the Women that do not expose
themselves to Weather, they are often very fair, and well
featur’d, as you shall meet with any where, and have very
Brisk and Charming Eyes; and as well and finely shaped,
as any Women in the World. And I have seldom observ’d
any Red-hair’d Women, or Men, born in this Country.
They marry generally very young, some at Thirteen or
Fourteen; and she that continues unmarried, until Twenty,
is reckoned a stale Maid, which is a very indifferent Char-
acter in that Country. These Marriages for want of an
Orthodox Clergyman, is performed by the Governor, or the
next Justice of the Peace; who reads the Matrimonial Cere-
mony, which is as binding there as if done by the best divine
in Hurope. The Women are very fruitful, most Houses
being full of Little Ones, and many Women from other
Places who have been long Married and without Children,
have remov’d to Carolina, and become joyful Mothers, as has
been often observ’d. It very seldom happens they miscarry,
and they have very easie Travail in their Child-bearing.
The Children at nine Months old are able to walk and
run about the House, and are very Docile and apt to learn
any
32 The Natural History
any thing, as any Children in Hurope; and those that have
the advantage to be Educated, Write good Hands, and prove
good Accomptants, which is very much coveted, and most
necessary in these parts. The young Men are generally of
a bashful, sober Behaviour, few proving Prodigals, to spend
what the Parents with Care and Industry have left them,
but commonly Improve it.
The Girls are most commonly handsome and well Fea-
tur’d, but have pale or swarthy Complexions, and are gener-
ally more forward than the Boys, notwithstanding the Women
are very Shy, in their Discourses, till they are acquainted.
The Girls are not only bred to the Needle and Spinning, but
to the Dairy and domestick Affairs, which many of them
manage with a great deal of prudence and conduct, though
they are very young.
Both Sexes are very dexterous in paddling and managing
their Canoes, both Men, Women, Boys, and Girls, being bred
to it from their Infancy. The Women are the most Indus-
trious in these Parts, and many of them by their good House-
wifery make a great deal of Cloath of their own Cotton,
Wool, and Flax, and some of them weave their own Cloath
with which they decently Apparel their whole Family though
large. Others are so Ingenious that they make up all the
wearing Apparel both for Husband, Sons and Daughters.
Others are very ready to help and assist their Husbands in
any Servile Work, as planting when the Season of the Year
requires expedition: Pride seldom banishing Housewifery.
Both sexes are most commonly spare of Body and not Chol-
erick, nor easily cast down at Disapointments and Losses,
and
of North Carolina. a3
and seldome immoderately grieving at Mistfortunes in Life,
excepting it be the loss of their nearest Relations.
By the Fruitfulness of the Women in North Carolina, and
the great Numbers of Men, Women, and Children, that are
daily Transported from Hurope, they are now become so pow-
erful, in this and most of the other Provinces in the Hands of
the Hnglish, that they are able to resist for the future any
attempts the Indians may make on them. Add to this, the
several Indian Kings that at present are in the Christian In-
terest, who pay some small Tribute as an Acknowledgment of
their Subjection, and are ready upon all occasions to assist
them when ever they are required so to do; therefore they
live at present without any dread or fear of those Savages to
what they formerly did.
The Men are very ingenious in several Handycraft Busi-
nesses, and in building their Canoes and Houses; though by
the richness of the Soil, they live for the most part after an
indolent and luxurious Manner; yet some are laborious, and
equalize with the Negro’s in hard Labour, and others quite
the Reverse; for I have frequently seen them come to the
Towns, and there remain Drinking Rum, Punch, and other
Liquors for Eight or Ten Days successively, and after they
have committed this Excess, will not drink any Spirituous
Liquor, ’till such time as they take the neat Frolick, as they
eall it, which is generally in two or three Months. These
Excesses are the occasions of many Diseases amongst them.
But amongst the better Sort, or those of good OEconomy, it is
quite otherwise, who seldom frequent the Taverns, having
plenty of Wine, Rum, and other Liquors at their own Houses,
which they generously make use of amongst their Friends
3 E and
34 The Natural History
and Acquaintance, after a most decent and discreet Manner,
and are not so subject to Disorders as those who Debauch
themselves in such a Beastly Manner. The former some-
times bring their Wives with them to be pertakers of these
Frolicks, which very often is not commendable or decent to
behold.
OF
of North Carolina. 35
OF THE
Religion, Houses, Raiment, Diet, Liquors, Fir-
ing, Diversions, Commodities, Language,
Diseases, Curiosities, Cattle, &c. of
NORTH CAROLINA.
HE Religion by Law established, is the Protestant, as
it is professed in England; and tho’ they seldom have
Orthodox Clergymen among them, yet there are not
only Glebe Lands laid out for that Use, commodious to each
Town, but likewise convenient for building Churches. The
want of these Protestant Clergy, is generally supply’d by
some School-Masters, who read the Lithurgy, and then a
Sermon out of Doctor Tillitson, or some good practical
Divine, every Sunday. These are the most numerous, and
are dispersed through the whole Province.
I shall treat of the other Religions as they are to be re-
garded according to their Numbers; and first of the Quakers:
These People enjoy the same Privileges as with us in Ireland,
and live for the most part in Albemarle County, wherein
they have a decent Meeting-House.
E: The
36 The Natural History
The Presbyterians succeed next, and have had a Min-
ister of their own Order for many Years past; they are
chiefly settled in and about the River Neus.
Roman-Catholicks are the next considerable, and are set-
tled in many Parts of the Country, but mostly in and about
Bath-Town, they have likewise a Clergyman of their own
Order among them at present.
Next succeed the Anabaptists, who live mostly in Albe-
marle County.
There are likewise many Sectaries in Carolina, who have
little or no appearance of Religion, except some few Forms
of Prayers. This I take to be intirely owing to our want of
Orthodox Divines, to instruct them in the true Notions of
God, and right method of Worshiping, according to the tenor
of revealed Religion. It is common to see here numbers of
Men, Women, and Children, Baptized all together, when a
Clergyman arrives in those Parts, and I have actually seen
the Grandfather, his Son, and Grandson, receive this Sacra-
ment at one time. There are numbers who never require
Baptism, and consequently never covet to be made Christians,
yet use some few Forms of Prayer.
By what I have already urged, my Readers will naturally
observe, that there is Liberty of Conscience allowed in the
whole Province; however, the Planters live in the greatest
Harmony imaginable, no Disputes or Controversies are ever
observed to arrise among them about their Religious Princi-
ples. They always treat each other with Friendship and
Hospitality, and never dispute over their Liquor, which is a
Custom too frequent and too much indulged with us, and
from whence dangerous Consequences have arisen: By this
Unity of Affection, the Prosperity of the Province has in-
creased from its first rise, to this Day. But though they are
thus
of North Carolina. 37
thus remarkable for their Friendship, Harmony and Hospi-
tality, yet in regard to Morals, they have their share of the
Corruptions of the Age, for as they live in the greatest Ease
and Plenty, Luxury of Consequence predominates, which is
never without its attendant Vices. Can it be admired, that
the generality of them live after a loose and lacivious Man-
ner, when according to my former Observation, they have no
Clergy to instruct them, and recommend the Duties necessary
belonging to a Christian; and is it not natural to believe that
Impiety and Imorality, when a People are void of those
Benefits, must sway the major part of them. I would not be
understood here, as if I designed to advance these imputa-
tions of Vice against the whole Body of the People: No,
there are certainly Persons of both Sexes Temperate, Frugal,
Good Oeconemists, remarkably kind to Strangers, and those
in Distress, and zealous in the practice of Christanity.
Their Houses are built after two different Ways; viz. the
most substantial Planters generally use Brick, and Lime,
which is made of Oyster-shells, for there are no Stones to be
found proper for that purpose, but near the Mountains; the
meaner Sort erect with Timber, the outside with Clap-
Boards, the Roofs of both Sorts of Houses are made with
Shingles, and they generally have Sash Windows, and affect
large and decent Rooms with good Closets, as they do a most
beautiful Prospect by some noble River or Creek.
Their Furniture, as with us, consists of Pewter, Brass,
Tables, Chairs, which are imported here commonly from
England: The better sort have tollerable Quantities of Plate,
with other convenient, ornamental, and valuable Furniture.
The
38 The Natural History
The Cloathings used by the Men are Hnglish Cloaths,
Druggets, Durois, Green Linnen, &c. The Women have
their Silks, Calicoes, Stamp-Linen, Calimanchoes and all
kind of Stuffs, some whereof are Manufactured in the Prov-
ince. They make few Hats, tho’ they have the best Furrs in
plenty, but with this Article, they are commonly supplied
from New-England, and sometimes from Hurope.
Their Diet consists chiefly of Beef, Mutton, Pork, Venison
in Abundance, Wild and Tame Fowl, Fish of several delicate
Sorts; Roots, Fruit, several kinds of Sallads, good Bread,
Butter, Milk, Cheese, Rice, Indian Corn, both which they
concoct like a Hasty-Pudding: But as I shall treat more
particularly of the Productions of the Country in the suc-
ceeding Pages, I shall now proceed to their Liquors.
The Liquors that are common in Carolina at present, and
chiefly made use of, are, Rum, Brandy, Mault Drink; these
they import. The following are made in Country, viz. Cyder,
Persimon-Beer, made of the Fruit of that Tyree, Ceder-
Beer, made of Ceder-Berries; they also make Beer of the
green Stalks of Indian-Corn, which they bruise and boyle:
They likewise make Beer of Mollosses, or common Treacle,
in the following manner, they take a Gallon of Mollosses, a
Peck of Wheaten Bran, a Pound of Hops, and a Barrel of
Fountain Water, all which they boile together, and work up
with Yest, as we do our Malt Liquors; this is their common
Small-Beer, and seems to me to be the pleasantest Drink, I
ever tasted, either in the Indies or Hurope, and I am satisfied
more wholsom. This is made stronger in proportion, as
People fancy.
It is necessary to observe that though there is plenty of ~
Barly and Oats in this Province, yet there is no Malt Drink
made,
of North Carolina. 39
made, notwithstanding all kind of Malt Liquors bear a good
Price, nor have any of the Planters ever yet attempted it.
Chocolate, Teas, and Coffee, are as common in Carolina
as with us in Jreland, particularly the last, which of late
Years they have industriously raised, and is now very cheap:
These are sober Liquors, and take off the better Sort from
Drinking what are hot and spirituous, who are not so ad-
dicted to Rum and Brandy as the inferior Sort, Caslena or
Yaupan, an Indian Tea, which grows here in Abundance is
indifferently used by Planters and Indians.
The Fireing they use is Wood, and especially Hickery,
though we discovered Pit-Coal in our Journies towards the
Mountains, yet it is not worth their while to be at the ex-
pence of bringing it, Timber being so plenty.
The chiefest Diversions here are Fishing, Fowling; and
Hunting, Wild Beasts, such as Deer, Bears, Racoons, Hares,
Wild Turkies, with several other sorts, needless to treat of
here, ’till we come to describe each particular Specie.
Horse-Racing they are fond of, for which they have Race-
Paths, near each Town, and in many parts of the Country.
Those Paths, seldom exceed a Quarter of a Mile in length,
and only two Horses start at a time, each Horse has his
peculiar Path, which if he quits, and runs into the other,
looses the Race. This is agreed on to avoid Jockying. These
Courses being so very short, they use no manner of Art, but
push on with all the speed imaginable; many of these Horses
are very fleet.
It is common for People to come and go from this Prov-
ince to Virginia, to these publick Diversions.
They are much addicted to Gaming, especially at Cards
and Dice, Hazard and All-fours, being the common Games
they use; at which they play very high, nay to such a pitch,
that
40 The Natural History
that I have seen several hundred Pounds won and lost in a
short time.
Cock-Fighting they greatly admire, which Birds they en-
deavor to procure from Hngland and Ireland, and to that
intent, employ Masters of Ships, and other Trading Persons
to supply them.
Wrestling, Leaping, and such Activities are much used by
them; yet I never observed any Foot Races.
Dancing they are all fond of, especially when they can get
a Fiddle, or Bag-pipe; at this they will continue Hours
together, nay, so attach’d are they to this darling Amuse-
ment, that if they can’t procure Musick, they will sing for
themselves. Musick, and Musical Instruments being very
scarce in Carolina.
These are the most material Observations I have made in
respect of their usual Diversions.
But they have a particular Season, which is only at their
Wheat-Harvest, not to be omitted; this they celebrate with
great Solemnity, it is in the beginning of June, at which
time the Planters notify to each other, that they design to
reap the aforesaid Grain, on a certain Day, some send their
Negroes to assist, others only go to partake of the great Feasts,
&c. Some will frequently come twenty, nay thirty Miles on
this Occasion, the Entertainments are great, and the whole
Scene pleasant and diverting; but if they can get Musick to
indulge this Mirth, it greatly adds to the Pleasure of the
Feast. It must be confest, that this annual Revelling is
very expensive to the Planters, but as its customary, few —
omit it, nor have they ever those publick Diversions at the
reaping any other Grain but the Huropean Wheat.
T am sensible that many Persons, who by their Misbe-
haviour in this Country, were obliged to quit it, have ma-
liciously
of North Carolina. 41
liciously endeavoured to represent, not only the Province, but
its Inhabitants, in a wrong Light; but as they intirely take
the Opportunity to talk either before those who were never
there, or before Persons incapable of judging, it is to be
hoped, that the scandalous reports of such, will not be re-
garded. Several of those trifling Nusances have to my knowl-
edge, scarcely been out of the Town or Port where they first
arrived, during their Residence there: How therefore cou’d
they be acquainted with the Fertilty of the Country, the Con-
stitution, and Temper of the Inhabitants; before the learn’d,
by whom they can be convicted, they dare not appear? And
if the credulous and ignorant will be amused, all the Argu-
ments Man can produce will not avail.
The People live to as great Ages as most Huropeans, they
are entire Strangers to Consumptions, a Distemper fatal to
us; but they are much addicted to aguish Disorders, which
is incident to all Strangers, for they generally have their Sea-
sonings at their first Arrival, or soon after, though it seldom
proves mortal, and is easily carried off by Hmeticks, and
other Medicines properly given.
This Colony boasts more Advantages than several others
on this Continent, both for Pleasure, Ease, and Profit: Were
the Inhabitants as industrious as the Soil is bountiful, they
might supply themselves with all the Necessaries of Life.
With little Industry they may have Wines, Oil, Silk, Fruits,
and many sorts of Drugs, Dyes, ce. Here the Curious may
have a large Field to satisfie and divert their Curiosity; here
they may collect strange Beasts, Birds, Fishes, Insects, Rep-
tiles, Shells, Mines, Herbs, Flowers, Plants, Shrubs, Trees,
Gums, Tears, Rosin, Stones, and several other things that
F yield
42 The Natural History
yield both Profit and Satisfaction: If the plenty and cheap-
ness of Provisions, and the low rate of Lands, may tempt
People to this delightful Country, sure those who have but —
small Beginnings, with moderate industry, may here live
more comfortably, and provide for their Families better than
in any place I have yet seen in Hurope.
The Rivers are very beautiful, pleasant, profitable, large
and Navigable for several Leagues up the Country: They
rise for the most part in or near the Mountains, and abound
not only with great Quantities of delicate Fish, but likewise
with Wild-Fowl of different kinds. In many of these Rivers
are to be seen large and delightful Islands, where is excellent
Pasturage and some of them afford large Stocks of Cattle
and Deer, but scarce any Wild Beasts, and few Beasts of
Prey. In these Islands frequently grow vast quantities of
Cedar with several other kinds of valuable Timber Trees, as
I have already mentioned.
The civilized Indians are very serviceable to the Planters
in many Cases, particularly in making Weares to catch Fish;
this they do for a small consideration, and it proves very ad-
vantagious to large Families, because they not only take
ereat Quantities of different Sorts, but moreover what are
very good and nourishing; these Weares are made after a
method peculiar to the Indians only. Others Hunt and Fowl
for them at very reasonable rates, this Country being as
plentifully provided with all sorts of Game as any in Amer-
ica; the Indians sometimes assist the poorer sort of Planters
in planting their Corn for small Triffles, when expedition is
required.
The Mountains that are the most considerable are the
Charokee, or Appelapean Mountains, they take their rise
from
of North Carolina. — 43
from the North-west part of South Carolina, and so continue
in one Ridge to the Northward for several hundred Miles,
being in most places five or six hundred Miles from the Sea;
they are vastly high, and abound with Trees, various kinds of
Plants, and Stones of several different Natures. Beyond
these Mountains you have a prospect only of large Woods,
Savannas, dismal Swamps and Forrests, being as is supposed,
the Habitation of Savage Indians, and wild Beasts of various
kinds.
The Commodities convenient to bring to this Province
from Hurope, are as follows; Guns, Powder, Ball, Shot,
Flints, Linnens of all Sorts, but chiefly Blues; Brown and
Stampt Linnens, Oznabrigs, Men and Women’s Apparel
ready made up; some few Broad-Cloaths, Blew and Red
Stuffs, Callimancoes, Druggets, Kersies, Camblets, all light
Stuffs for Men and Women’s Summer Wear, Habberdashers
Wares, Stockings of all sorts, some few Gloves, thin Wigs,
Linnen Caps, Silk-thread, common Thread of all Sorts, Nee-
dles, Pins, Tobacco Pipes, Glass for Sashwindows, Looking
Glasses, all sorts of hard Ware, such as Knives, Forks,
Sizers, Saws, Hatchets, Chisels, Bills, Hoes, Spades, Shovels,
Grubing Hoes, Wedges, Nails, and all manner of Tools for
Carpenters, Shoemakers, Coopers Shave Locks, Locks for
Doors, Traps of all Sorts, and especially for Beavers, what
we commonly call Fox-Traps, Grindle-Stones, all manner of
Whet-Stones, Paper, Ink, Saddles, Bridles, Fish-hooks of all
Sorts, several Toys, as Fans, Necklaces, Beads, Ribbons,
Tape, Thimbles, Shoe-buckles, and the like; Tradesmen of
all sorts, Honest Servants and Negroes.
The produce of this Country for Exportation to Hurope
and the Islands, are Beef, Porke, Tallow, Hides, Deer-Skins,
Furs, Wheat, Indian-Corn, Pease, Potatoes, Rice, Honey,
Bees-wax,
44, The Natural History
Bees-wax, Myrtle-wax, Tobacco, Snake-root, Turpentine, Tar,
Pitch, Masts for Ships, Staves, Planks and Boards of most
sorts of Timber, Cotton, and several sorts of Gums, Tears,
with some medicinal Drugs; Bricks and Tiles are made here,
likewise several useful Earths, such as Bole, Fullers-Earth,
Tobacco Pipe Clay, and Oaker, in great Plenty, excellent
good Earth for the Potters Trade, and fine Sand for the
Glassmakers. They export abundance of Horses to the Isl-
ands of Antegua, Barbadoes, &e.
Lead, Copper, Sulphure and Antimony, have been found
here, but for want of good Encouragement, few or no endeay-
ours have been made to discover these subterraneous Pro-
ductions; here is likewise found in great Plenty the true
Blood-Stone, near the Mountains, as also a very fine Earth,
the same with Bruxels Sand, which the Goldsmiths use to
east with, which bears a good Price in several parts of
Europe. We have likewise Chalibeat Waters, of several
Tastes, and different Qualities, some Purging and others
working by the Hmunctories; there are several Waters also
amongst the Inhabitants that outwardly cure Ulcers, Tettars,
and Sores (disorders they are very subject to in this Coun-
try) by washing themselves in it; neither do they want very
good Springs of fresh Water; as for Pump-water, ’tis to be
had in most places in this Province.
We have an Account from the Indians, that there are hot
Baths near the Hilly Country, where a great likelihood ap-
pears of making Salt-petere, because the Earth in many
places is strongly mixed and impregnated with a Nitrous
Salt, which is much coveted by the Beasts of this Country,
who come at certain Seasons of the Year in great Numbers,
and by their licking this Earth, make great Holes in those
Banks,
of North Carolina. 45
Banks, which sometimes lye at the Heads of great Precipices,
where they often tumble down and are dash’d in pieces.
It is very certain that the most Sweet and healthful Part
of this Country is inhabited only by the Savage Indians at
present; and a great deal thereof has no other Inhabitants
but the wild Beasts. For the Jndians are not inclinable to
settle in the richest Lands, because the Timbers are too large
for them to cut down to make Plantations of: A farther
confirmation of the healthfulness of the Hilly parts of this
Country, is very apparent, in the large Stature and gray
Heads so common to be met with amongst the Savages that
dwell near the Mountains.
The Christians or Planters of North Carolina, Barter the
Commodities that are produced in the Country for Rum,
Sugar, Mollosses, Negroes, and the like.
The current Coin of this Country is at present only made
of Paper Bills, which pass throughout all this Province; not
but that the Gold and Silver Coin of all Nations pass here,
according to their Weight or intrinsick Value, which the
Planters carefully preserve to buy Negroes with in the Islands
and other Places. The Contents of the Bills in this Province
are as follows, viz. This Bill of ten Pounds shall be current
in all Payments in North Carolina, according to an Act of
Assembly made November 9th. 1729. This is the greatest
Bill, and twelve Pence the smallest, which is wrote after the
same manner of the former. The Assembly nominate five
of their Members, who sign all these Bills with different Ink;
all these Bills are numbered in figures at the top, in the na-
ture of Bank-Bills, and Seals fixt to each of them; there is
about thirty or forty thousand Pounds of this kind of Money
in North Carolina.
There is a Treasury Office kept wherein all the Bills are
changed, and new ones given for those that are old and
torn ;
46 The Natural History
torn; yet notwithstanding all the Care that is taken, these
Bills are counterfeited, and the publick very often imposed
upon. The Money of North Carolina is in value five Shil-
lings for one Sterling; and in South Carolina, the difference
is Seven to One Sterling; with these Bills they purchase
Lands, and all Necessaries.
It is admirable to observe the Prosperity of several Ad-
venturers to Carolina, in the memory of Man; and how many
from the most despicable beginnings in a short time, by Gods
blessing and their own industry, are arrived to as splendid
Fortunes, as any have in other British Provinces on this
Continent. All manner of Game is here very plenty, neither
are there any Laws here to bind their Priviledges, as it is
with us in Ireland, for the meanest Planter may, with as
much Freedom, destroy all manner of Game, as he that is the
most Wealthy, or highest in Dignity. So that the poorest
Planter has as much Right to the delicaceies of this Country,
as the richest; nay the very Labourer is intituled to the same
Priviledge.
The Language principally made use of in this Province is
the English ; notwithstanding there are Planters settled here
from France, Germany, Holland, and many other parts of
Hurope, who have all learn’d and speak the English Tongue,
many of the Indians also use it, and especially the three civil-
ized Kings, and those that Trade and Converse with the
English ; there are many of the Planters that understand and
speak the Indian Language well.
The Diseases that are most common in Carolina are, Agues,
or intermittent Mevers, Cachexia, Diarrhea, Dysenteria, the
Clap and French Pox, the Yaws, Chollicks, Cholera-Morbus,
Convulsions, Hooping-Cough, Cutaneous Disorders, such as
Tetters, Ring-worms, Rashes, prickley-Heats, and the Itch.
The
of North Carolina. 47
The Agues or intermittent Fevers, do generally admit of
the same method of Cure as with us in Jreland, so that it
would be needless to repeat it here, which almost every old
Woman pretends to have an infalible Cure for.
The Cachexy, or ill habit of Body, is a very common Dis-
temper in these Parts; ’tis very stubborn in its Nature, and
tedious and difficult to be cured. In this disorder, the Face
is very pale and discolor’d, and the Body big and swoln; this
Distemper is principally owing to their eating great quantities
of Fruit that this Country produces, and to a sedentary way
of living, and their eating Clay and Dirt, which the Children,
both Whites and Blacks, and some of the old People are very
subject to; by which means the whole Humours of the Body
are corrupted and vitiated to that degree (through surfeits
and ill digestion) that they will hardly admit of a Cure.
Steel’d Wines, and other Preparations of filings and rust of
Iron, strong Purgers, and Exercises, are the only Methods to
perfect the Cure of this Distemper.
The Cholera-Morbus, is a vehement Perturbation of the
whole Body and Bowels, from a deprav’d Motion of the
Ventricle and Guts, whereby bilious, sharp, or corrupt Hu-
mours, are plentifully and violently discharged upwards and
downwards. This disorder is happily carried off by giving
proper Doses of the I[pecauacana, that grows plentifully in
Carolina, which I have already made mention of.
The Cramp or Convulsions, is a Motion whereby the Mus-
cles or Membranes are contracted and remitted, without the
Will. This Disorder is common in these Parts, and espe-
cially amongst the Negroes or Blacks, whereof many die,
either for want, or before proper Medicines can be admin-
ister’d; it admits of the same method of Cure as with us in
Europe.
The
48 The Natural History
The White and Bloody-Flux are common Distempers in
Carolina, and so are the Clap and French Pox; these are
cured after the same manner as with us.
The Yaws, are a Disorder not well known in Hurope, but
very common and familiar here; it is ike the Lues venerea,
having most of the Symptoms that attend the Pox, such as
Nocturnal Pains, Botches, foul Erruptions, and Ulcers in
several parts of the Body, and is acquired after the same man-
ner as the Pow is, viz. by Copulation, &c. but is never attended
with a Gonorrhea in the beginning. This Distemper was
brought hither by the Negroes from Guinea, where it is a
common Distemper amongst them, and is communicated to
several of the Huropeans or Christians, by their cohabiting
with the Blacks, by which means it is hereditary in many
Families in Carolina, and by it some have lost their Palates
and Noses.
This Distemper, though of a venereal kind, is seldom cured
by Mercurials, as I have often experienced, for I have known
some undergo the Course of three Salavations to no purpose,
the virulency still continuing as bad as ever: Wherefore I
judge it not amiss to set forth the most effectual method for
curing it, which I have often experiene’d, and never without
good success (during my residence in those parts) though the
Distemper was of ever so violent a nature, or long continu-
ance; it is as follows:
Take four Ounces of the Bark of the Spanish Oak, two
Ounces of the middle Bark of the Pine Tree, two Ounces of
the Root of the Sumack, that bears the Berries, of these In-
gredients make a strong Decoction, whereof let the Patient
drink a full Pint milk-warm and half a Pint cold, this gwes
a strong Vomit, by which abundance of filthy Matter is dis-
charged,
of North Carolina. 49
charged. This is what is to be done the first Day. Then let
the Patient drink half a Pint three times a Day, viz. wm the
Morning, at one o' Clock in the Afternoon, and at Night, for
six Weeks; and if there be any outward Sores, wash them
clean five or six times a-Day with part of the same Decoction,
‘till they are all healed up, and the Patient becomes well.
The Patient must abstain from all sorts of flesh Meat, and
Strong Liquors during the said Course, his principal Diet
must be Broth, Gruel, Peneda, and the like. They may boil
the above quantity of Ingredients four times, if more, it will
be too weak; this Method effectually cures the Yaws in the
said time, and the Patient becomes as strong and healthy as
ever. I have here given the true method of the Cure of this
Distemper, it being little known in Europe.
The Cholick, or Dry Belly-ach, is another common Distem-
per in this Country, and is often attended with such violent
Convulsions, that frequently the Limbs are so contracted
(and especially the Hands) that for want of Care and good
Advice, they have continued so all their life time; though I
have known some of them die in these Fits, which are at-
tended with such a violent constipation of the Bowels, that
they cannot void any thing either upwards or downwards.
Strong Vomits, Purges, Clysters, and Oyntments, for the
contracted Limbs, are the most effectual Methods to carry off
this Disorder.
Rashes and Prikley-heat, are common Disorders here; in
the extremity of the hot Weather, which suddenly comes
after cold, they are attended with extream Itchings all over
the Body, especially the Legs, which if scratched immedi-
ately, inflame, and become inveterate Sores and Ulcers; to
4 | G prevent
50 The Natural History
prevent which, Spirit of Wine and Camphir or any other
Spirit, is of excellent use, by applying it to the Parts.
Tetters and Ring-worms, are common in this Province,
and are easily cur’d by several Plants in this Country, and
especially by the Juice of the Sheep-Sorrel, by applying it to
the Part infected.
The Hooping-Cough, at my arrival in Carolina, was an uni-
versal Disorder amongst young and old, whereof several NVe-
groes died. It continued in this Province for seven or eight
Months successively, beginning in September, and ending in
June; after Bleeding and Vomiting, I found the Jeswte
Bark to be of excellent use in this disorder. I was assured
by many in Carolina, that they never knew this Distemper in
these Parts before that time.
The Children are much afflicted with the Worms, which
is owing to their eating vast quantities of Fruit, this excess
sometimes occasions Fevers amongst them, yet they are cured
after the same manner as with us, likewise with many Plants
erowing here.
As for Cutaneous Disorders they are seldom at a loss for a
speedy Cure, not only from the Plants, but likewise the
Waters. Thus have I given an Account of the most common
Disorders amongst the Christian Inhabitants.
The Curiosities here are, variety of strange wild Beasts,
and several kinds of Birds, Fishes, Snakes, Insects, Reptiles,
Herbs, Plants, Shrubs, Trees, and Fruits: many whereof
are not to be met with in Hurope, which the Reader will find
inserted in their proper Places, when I come to treat on those
heads. There is a large Cave on the top of the Mountains,
that will hold a hundred Men and more to sit in, but whether
it be natural or artificial, is not known by any that have seen
it:
of North Carolina. 51
it; but I am of Opinion that it is natural, the Indians having
had no Tools to work in Wood or Stone, at the first arrival
of the Huropeans, so that it cannot be reasonably imagined
that a Work of this nature could be perfected without proper
Instruments for that purpose.
As all Grain and Pulse thrive here to admiration, so do
the Stocks of Cattle, Horses, and Swine multiply surpriz-
ingly, there being as great numbers of each Species, as in any
Province possessed by the /nglish in America.
The Veal is very good and white, but they seldom kill any
for the Market, being fond to preserve their Calves to a larger
growth. The Planters make Penfolds adjacent to their Hab-
itations, wherein they milk their Cows every Morning and
Evening; after which, they turn them into the Woods, where
they remain feeding all Day; when they return at Night,
they carefully shut up their Calves with some few of the
Cows, in those Penfolds, which protects them from the
Wolves, or any other voracious wild Beasts: In the Mornings
and Evenings the Cows return from the Woods to be milked,
and are turned out as usual; the Calves are turned into the
Inclosures where they remain feeding and safe all the Day,
no wild Beast ever appearing near their Plantations in that
space of time. I have seen one hundred Calves together in
one of these Penfolds, being all the Property of one Planter.
The Calves generally suck their Dams all the time they are
milking, otherwise the Cows would not suffer any one to
touch them. The Milk is very pleasant and rich.
Their Heifers bring forth Calves at eighteen or twenty
Months old; this early production makes such a wonderful
increase, that many of the Planters, from mean beginnings,
are Masters now of such large Stocks of Cattle, that you may
G: buy
52 The Natural History
buy hundreds in the Season: Their method of killing, is
generally to shoot them in the Fields, or in the Penfolds;
then they cut off the Head and Feet, and take out the Intrails,
which they throw away as useless, except the Fat, (which
they carefully preserve.) After this manner they continue
killing all the Year, as they have Occasion.
If the Cattle be suffered to live to a proper Age, their
Beef proves as large and fat as any in the neighbouring
Colonies. They kill vast Quantities of Beeves in October,
and the other cool Months, especially when they intend them
for Salting and Exportation, for at those Seasons they are in
their prime of Flesh, and best preserved. The Exportation
of this Commodity is one of the greatest Branches of their
Trade.
It may perhaps seem very strange to some Huropeans, how
the Planters can have such large Stocks of Cattle, where
there are such Numbers of Wolves, Tygers, Panthers, and
other Beasts of Prey; but I can assure them that they give
themselves no further trouble than what I have already ob-
served, few or no wild Beasts ever daring or attempting to
kill either Calves or Foles, fearing their Dams, who vigor-
ously defend them. When a Cow hath once espied a Wolf or
any other voracious Beast near, she gives a Signal by bellow-
ing and roaring, upon which all the Black Cattle within her
hearing will run to her assistance, and most resolutely de-
fend their own Species.
There are great Numbers of those Cattle wild, which con-
tinually breed in the Woods, (so are there of Horses and
Mares) here you shall see great Droves feeding promiscously
in the Savannas amongst the Deer, fifty or Sixty Miles dis-
tant from any Inhabitants. This sociable Disposition
amongst Beasts of different kinds we observed in our Travel-
ing
of North Carolina. 53
ing up towards the Mountains, which, together with the
Beauty of the Country gave us no small Satisfaction.
The Horses are well shaped, swift, and generally about
thirteen or fourteen Hands high, they are durable and will
travel incredible Journies. They are never shod, partly by
reason of the softness of the Ground, which is covered over
with Grass, without any Gravel or Stones; they have few or
no distempers amongst them as in Hwropean Countries, such
as Spavin, Splint, Ringbones, and the like; they are seldom or
never blind, and generally live twenty Years or more, most
commonly dying of old Age. If there were but good Stallions
and Mares sent here from Hngland, or any other Parts, we
could not fail of a good Breed in a short time; the Country
and Pasturage being so proper for that end.
The Planters are the worst Horse-masters I have ever met
with, for few or none allow Corn to their Horses after long
Journies, for they frequently tye them to a Tree for Hours
together, and sometimes for a Day or two without any manner
of subsistance, from whence it sometimes happens that they
break loose, and take into Woods, where they remain for
Weeks together, with the Saddles on their Backs, before they
are found out, and had not they been such good Drudges as
they are, there would be but few in this Province, with the
bad usage they give them.
The Horses which they keep within the Inclosures, and
some times feed with Indian-Corn, are rendered very durable
for Journies and Hunting in the Woods. I hope it will not
be improper here to give the Reader an Account how they
take the Wild Horses in the Woods, which is as follows.
The Planters generally, two or more hunt on Horseback in
the Woods together, and as soon as they espie a wild Horse,
they
54 The Natural History
they pursue him, and their Horses are so well train’d to this
way of Hunting, that they will neither hurt themselves nor
the Riders against a Tree, though you ride them in full
Speed, they will perform this for Hours together, ’till such
time as the wild Horse stands still; then one of the Hunters
alights and claps a Bridle into his Mouth, and a Saddle on
his Back (tho’ ten or fifteen Years old) and rides him to their
own, or the next Plantation, where they feed him with
Indian-Corn and Salt, which feeding, in a little time, makes
him as tame and domestick, as any in their Plantation, and
fit to pursue his wild Species in the Woods at the next Hunt-
ing match, or any other use they have occasion to make of
him.
The Sheep thrive well, having two or three Lambs at one
Yeaning; they are never suffered to ramble in the Woods (as
the other Cattle are) but are kept in Inclosures in the Planta-
tions, from whence they will come every Evening to the Plan-
ters Houses, having no Defence against the wild Beasts (and
especially the Wolves, their mortal Enemy) at Night they are
put up in their Penfolds made of Timber, which every Plan-
ter has for that Purpose to defend them from all manner of
wild Beasts, but it sometimes happens, through Negligence,
that if they are not Inclosed, they become a Prey to the
Wolves, who never fail to search and watch for them at
Night. The Mutton is generally exceeding Fat, and as well
relish’d as any I have met with in Hurope. Their Wool is
fine, and a good Commodity here. They seldom kill any of
their Lambs for the Market, but generally preserve them to a
greater Age; neither are the native Planters so fond of Mut-
ton (which is of a middling Size) as the Hwropeans gener-
ally are.
Of
of North Carolina. a0
Of Goats, they have but very few in Carolina, and yet
they would thrive very well there; but they are so mischiev-
ous to Gardens, Orchards, and other Trees, that the Native
Planters are not fond of keeping or preserving great num-
bers of them, though their Flesh is fat and well relish’d, as
any in Hurope, and their skins are as good.
The Swine are more numerous here than in any of the
English Provinces; and the Pork exceeds any in Hurope for
Goodness. The plenty of Acorns, Nuts, and other Fruits,
which the Woods naturally afford, make their Flesh of an
excellent Taste, and produces great quantities of them; some
Planters possess several hundreds, and vast numbers are to
be met with in the Woods, which are every persons Property
that can kill them; for no one claims them as his own, except
they bear his own Mark or Brand, and it is so with Horses
and Cows, that are wild in the Woods. The Planters export
vast quantities of Pork to the Islands in the West Indies,
such as Barbadoes, Antequa, and several other places where
Provisions are scarce, for such Commodities as they have
occasion for.
They have plenty of all manner of Domestick Fowl, such
as Geese, common Ducks, Muscovy Ducks, Turkeys, Cocks
and Hens, Pigeons, and the like, to be purchased at cheaper
Rates, than in any part of Hurope.
Notwithstanding North Carolina yields to no Country in
point of Fertility, especially for Cattle, Venison, Fish and
Flesh, yet amongst all this Plenty, there is a scarcity of sufti-
cient Hands to cultivate this noble and fertile Soil. It is ea-
pable of producing as good Hemp and Flax, as grow in most
parts of Hurope, and Linnen might here be brought to great
perfection.
This
56 The Natural History
This Country likewise produces as good Tobacco, as any to
be met with in Virgina, Maryland, or any other Neighbour-
ing Province in the Hands of the Hnglish: But the Planters
having so many other valuable Commodities proper for Ex-
portation, they little regard or improve it at present, in pro-
portion to what they do in other Provinces.
THE
of North Carolina. 57
OF THE VEGETABLES
OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
Larks-heel Tree; four sorts of Honey-suckle Tree, or
Woodbind, the first always grows in low moist
Grounds, the other in clear dry Lands, the Flowers of which
are more cut and lacerated; these grow about two or three
Feet high; the third, which is of the same height, is one of
the most beautiful Flowers of its Colour that is to be met
with, and is found growing for the most part by the sides
of Swamps, or on the Banks of the Rivers, but never near
the Salt Water. The Flowers of these are of a whitish
colour, but the last is the most beautiful, growing in
great bunches out of one Stem, and is commonly the
bigness of a large Turnip. In April and May, nothing
can be more beautiful, being at that time in their greatest
splendor, which affords not only a pleassant sight, but a most
grateful and fragrant Smell to those that pass through the
Woods. There is another Honey-suckle that grows in the
Forrest, and is about a Foot high, bearing it’s Flowers
on small Stems, the main Stock being no thicker than a
Wheat Straw; all these sorts differ very little from ours,
only with this variation, that those here are larger.
H Princes-
AL... Spontaneous Shrubs of this Country are the
58 The Natural History
Princes-feather, are very large and beautiful, not only in
the Gardens, but in several parts of the Woods. Tres colores,
Branched Sun-Flower, Double Poppies, Lupines of several
sorts, and all Spontaneous. The sensible Plant, (as I have
been informed) grows near the Mountains, which I did not
see during my stay in those Parts.
The Bastard Saffron is plenty in this Province, and I do
not doubt but that the true Saffron of England would thrive
well here if Planted, and the same care taken.
The Cotton Plant being so very profitable, I will give a
Description of, which is as follows: It hath small Stalks about
three Feet high, and sometimes higher, divided into several
small Branches, wherein are many broad Leaves, cut for the
most part into three Sections, and sometimes more, indented
about the Edges, not unlike the Leaves of the common Mal-
lows, but lesser, softer, and of a grayish Colour, among which
come forth the Flowers, the Edges whereof are of a Yellow-
ish Colour, and the middle part Purple; after which appears
large Burs or Husks, wherein the Seed and Cotton is con-
tained, as soon as it is ripe it opens into four Parts or Divis-
ions, if Care be not taken, it casteth forth its Seed and Cot-
ton upon the Ground. This Plant beareth but for one Season,
and as soon as the Seeds are ripe it immediately perisheth, as
- many other Plants do; so that the Planters are obliged to
sow the Seed every Spring, which is ripe in the Autumn, and
they cut it down at that time as we do Corn. It groweth in
great Plenty in several Parts of this Country, and is a bene-
ficial Commodity to the Planters.
The Yellow Jessamine grows wild in several parts of the
Woods, affording a most pleasant and grateful Smell.
Ever-Greens are to be met with all over this Province, of
several curious sorts, of a very quick Growth, affording pleas-
ant
of North Carolina. 59
ant and refreshing Shades in the extremity of hot Weather:
And such are the lofty Cypress or White Cedar, the Red
Cedar, the Pitch Pine, the Yellow Pine, the White Pine with
long Leaves, and the smaller Almond-Pine: Hornbeam, Holly
two sorts, Bay-T'ree, two sorts of Myrtle, two sorts of Hver-
green Oaks, Misseltoe of the Oak, Gullberry-Tree, Privet,
Savine, Yaupan, or Cassena, whereof the Tea is made, so
very much in request amonst both the /ndians, and Chris-
tians, with many other. Hver-greens.
I shall in the next Place treat of the Timber that this
Country produces, viz.
The Chestnut Oak, is a very lofty Tree and clear of
Boughs and Limbs, for fifty or sixty Feet high, and is com-
monly four or five Feet Diameter, they are the largest Oaks
we have, and yield the fairest Planks. These kind of Oaks
erow chiefly in low Land that is stiff and rich; some of them
are so high that a good Gun will hardly kill a Turkey on the
top of them, though with Swan Shot. They are called the
Chesnut Oak from the sweetness and largeness of the Acorns ;
the Leaves and Bark of this and all the following Oaks are of
a very Binding Nature, and may successfuly be used to stop
all kind of Fluxes, the Salt is Diuretick, and the Wood of
some are of the same Uses and Virtues with Guajacum ; as is
manifest in its cure of the Yaws and other Disorders. In
most of all the Oaks, grows a long Moss, whereof the Cattle
and Deer are very fond, which I have already mentioned.
The White Scaly Bark Oak ; this is used as the former in °
building Sloops, Brigantines, Ships, and other Vessells of
Burthen. And though it bears a larger Acorn, yet it never
grows to the bulk and height of the former. This kind of
Oak is found generally growing on dry stiff Lands and is so
H: called
60 The Natural History
called from the Sealy broken White Bark which covers the
Tree. This and the former produce good Mast for Swine to
feed on.
The Red Oak sometimes grows very large and lofty in
good Land, but it is not used as the former in building of
Vessels, being a very Porous Timber, and not durable, yet it
is sometimes used for Pipe Staves, and makes good Fences
and Clap-Boards, which are the only use made of it in this
Country; it is so called from the redness of its Wood. It
produces good Mast for Swine.
The Spanish Oak has a whitish smooth Bark, grows pretty
large in wet low Ground, and is very free from Limbs or
Boughs; it is durable Wood, and very easy to split, therefore
some use to build Vessels with it, it affords good Plank,
Olap-Boards, Rails, for Fences, and also excellent good Mast
for Swine; the Bark of this Tree is used for the Cure of the
Yaws.
The Bastard-Spanish-Oak is betwixt the Red and Spanish-
Oak, it is not as durable as the former, but makes good Rails
for Fencing, and Clap-Boards, and is very good Wood for the
Fire, this being all the Use that is made of it at present; it
likewise bears a very good Mast for Swine to feed on.
The Black-Oak grows large, and is durable Wood under
Water; it is seldom made use of in building Ships, but is
sometimes used in House-Work; it bears as good Mast as any
of the former for Swine.
The White-Iron, or Ring-Oak, is so called from the dura-
bility and lasting quality of the Wood; this Wood is found
to be one of the best Oaks we have in this Country, or in
America, for Pipe-staves and Building of all kind of Ships;
it is as large as the former, grows on dry Lands, and seldom
fails of producing a good Crop of Acorns.
The
of North Carolina. 61
The Turkey-Oak, so called, from the small Acorns it bears,
which are sweet, and eat like the Acorns of the Chestnut-Oak,
on which the Wild 7'urkies feed, and are very fat in the Sea-
son; this Wood is only used for Firing and Fences, not being
so durable as the former are.
The Live-Oak, so called, from its being Green all the Year,
it grows on dry sandy Ground, and is the most durable Oak
in all America, but it is short, and will not afford Plank of
any considerable Length, therefore unfit to build Ships with.
There are some few Trees that will afford a Stock of twelve
Feet, but it being so very firm and weighty, they never make
use of it upon these Occasions, moreover the Wood being so
very hard, the Sawyers seldom attempt the cutting of it: It
is observable, that a Nail being once driven into it, it is next
to an impossibility to draw it out again; the Limbs thereot
are so cured, that they serve for excellent Timbers, and
Knees and makes the best Trunnels of any Oak in the World
for Ships and Vessels of any sort; the Acorns thereof are
as sweet as any Chesnuts, and the Indians draw an Oil
from them as sweet and palatable as that from the Olive,
though of an Amber Colour; with these Acorns some have
counterfeited and made Chocolate not to be distinguished by
a good Palate; this Wood makes excellent Window Frames,
Mallats, and Pins for Blocks. They are of an indifferent
quick growth; there are two sorts of this Oak, and Swine
that feed on its Acorns, are excellent fine Pork.
The Fresh Water Oak, grows in Ponds of fresh Water, in
Swamps by the River sides, and in low Grounds over-flown
with Water, they continue Green all the Year; there is little
or no use made of it, except for Fire or Fences.
The
62 The Natural History
The Cypress is not an Ever-green in Carolina, and is there-
fore called the Bald Cypress, because the Leaves during the
Winter Season turn Red, and do not recover their verdure
till the Spring. These Trees are the tallest and thickest of
any we have in this Part of the World; some of them being
above thirty Six Feet in cireumference; the Nuts which these
Trees bear yield a most odoriferous Balsam, that most effectu-
ally cures all new and green Wounds, Gonorrhea’s, and old
Gleets, and being drank with Alicant, stop all kinds of Fluxes
of Blood, and consolidate Ulcers in stubborn Bodies, and dry
up excessive Moistures, and cure Ruptures, Polypus, Car-
buncles, and many other disorders. The Planters and In-
dians most commonly make their Periaugers and Canoes of
this Wood, with which they pass over large Creeks and Bays,
to Transport their Lumber from one River to another; some
of these Perzaugers are so large that they will carry thirty
or forty Barrels of Pitch or Tar in them, though of one en-
tire Piece of Timber; some trade in them to Virginia and
other Places along the Coast, with Pork and other Produc-
tions of the Country: Of these Trees are likewise made
curious Boats for Pleasure and other Necessary Crafts; this
Wood is very lasting and free from the Rot by the Worms
in the Water, which often’ ruin many Vessels and Boats
made of Oak and other Wood, which I shall describe in its
proper Place, when I treat of those insects: It is reported
that no Moth or other Vermine will abide in a Chest made of
this Wood.
The Pine-T'ree, whereof there are four sorts, if not more.
The Pitch-Pine is a very large fair Tree, free from Boughs
or Branches, ’till you come near the top, and continues green
all the year like the F%-Tree, it’s Timber is much redder
than the former, and it’s Leaves narrower, shorter and more
sharp
of North Carolina. 63
sharp pointed like the Pine; their Fruit is Scaly, the Bark
of the Tree is blacker, tougher, and more flexible than that of
the Fir-Tree. The Wood of this Tree being so full of Bitu-
men, or Turpentine, and is so durable, that it seems to suffer
no decay, though exposed to all Weathers, or lying upon the
Ground or in the Water for many Ages; and is used in many
domesticks Affairs. This Tree affords four excellent Com-
modities, viz. Turpentine, Tar, Pitch, and Rosin, how they
are made, I shall treat of in another Place.
The White and Yellow-Pine, grow to be very large Trees
much after the same form with the former, but it’s Leaves
are larger, and the Wood is not so full of Turpentine, there-
fore more easy to be sawed, it affords excellent good Plank
for Building, and several other uses, they make Masts, Yards,
and several other Necessaries of this Pine, being the most
useful Tree in the Woods.
The Almond-Pine, this last bears Kernels in the Apple,
tasting much lke Almonds ; for which Reason it is so call’d,
it much resembles the former in bigness and groweth, is used
for Masts, Boards, Piles, Fences, and several other things.
The Dwarf-Pine, seldom exceeds above Seventeen Feet
high, and is therefore of little or no use, except for shew,
being an [ver-green, as all the rest are. There are many
Virtues ascribed to the Produce of these Trees (which they
rightly deserve) not only in external, but internal Disorders,
which are well known amongst us.
The Cedar, whereof there are two sorts, the Red and the
White. The Red Cedar is encompassed with a vast number
of Branches, which grow gradually lesser and shorter, as they
approach the top of the Tree, so that it grows exactly in the
Form of a Pyramid. The Leaves are small and round like
those of the Pine Tree, but shorter and not so sharp pointed ;
it
64 The Natural History
it beareth Berries all times of the Year, which are sweet and
pleasant to eat; it is a most beautiful Ever-green, and is here
in great Plenty. Those near the Salts grow generally on
Sand Banks, and that in the Freshes is found in the Swamps
and low wet Grounds. It is a soft Wood like Firr, and of a
reddish Colour, but hardens in process of time; of this Wood,
Tables, Wainscot, and other Necessaries are made, ’tis es-
teemed for its sweet scent, and it is as durable and lasting
a wood as any we have in Carolina; it is much used in Posts
for Houses and Sills, as also to build Sloops, Boats, &ce. by
reason the Worms will not touch it, though it remain in the
Water, or upon Land, for several Years. Of this Cedar,
Ship loads may be exported, and it was formerly so very
plentiful and common in this Province, that they have fenced
large Plantations with it; the Coffins for the Dead are fre-
quently made of it, by reason of its lasting Quality, the Wood
of this Tree is profitable against the French Pox, and an
infusion in Vinegar helps Scabs and other cutaneous Dis-
orders.
The White Cedar, so called, because it nearly approaches
the other Cedar in Smell, Bark, and Leaves, only this grows
taller, is exceeding streight, very light, and free to split:
It is tough and durable, and maketh good Yards, Top-masts,
Boms, and Boltsprits, the best Shingles for Houses, Pails,
and other Vessels, necessary for several uses, are made of it’s
Wood; with the Bark and the Red Cedar, the Indians most
commonly use to make their Cabbins of, which proves firm,
and resists all Weather.
The Tulip Trees, which are called by the Planters Poplars,
as being nearest in grain to that Wood. These Trees grow
exceeding large and tall, some being found Twenty one Foot
and more in circumference as I have frequently seen in many
places
of North Carolina. 65
places in this Province. And I have been informed, that
some are found ten Feet Diameter; several of these Trees
bear a white Tulip, and others a party-colour’d one: The
Wood makes handsome Wainscot Tables, Shingles for Houses,
and Planks for several uses; it is very durable and lasting
under Ground, and in the Water. The Planters frequently
make an Oyntment of the Buds, which is excellent good to
eure all manner of Inflamations, Scalds and Burns; The
Cattle are fond of its Buds, which gives a very odd taste to
the Milk.
The Aspen Trees are the same here as in Hurope, but are
scarcely to be found in this Province; the Bark is used in-
wardly in the Sciatica, and other Rheumatick Disorders, and
in the Strangury, but the Leaves being taken inwardly, are
said to cause Barreness.
The Ash Tree, whereof we have two sorts; the first is only
like the Huropean in the Grain of the Wood, for it differs
from ours in the Leaves and the Bark, and Keys, it bears
none; the Wood is very tough, but there is little use made of
it at present. The second sort is what they call in these Parts
by the Name of the Water-Ash, and differs from the former
by only being brittel and the Bark is food for the Beavers,
both these sorts of Ash grow in wet low Swampy Grounds,
and on the Banks of the Rivers.
The Sycamore Tree grows in low and Swampy Land, and
by River sides; the Bark is quite different from ours, but
very beautiful, being mottled and clouded with several Col-
ours, as White, Blue, dc. The Leaves of this Tree are ex-
actly of the form and shape with those in Hurope; Keys it
bears none, but a Bur like the sweet Gum, or the Chesnut, but
its Grain is fine and beautifully mottled with variety of
5 si Colours,
66 The Natural History
Colours, and is made use of for several domestick Necessa-
ries, such as Wainscot, Tables, Chairs, Trenchers, Dishes,
Stocks for Guns, and the like. The Buds of this Tree boiled
and applyed, help the hardness of the Spleen, and other hard
swellings; the Fruit loosens the Belly and the Tears that
issue out of the Tree in Spring, the biting of Serpents.
The Beech Tree is frequently to be met with very large,
whereof there are two sorts; the first is much the same as in
Hurope, and is in plenty all over this Province, but is little
regarded or made use of, only for Fire-wood, not being dura-
ble Timber, yet affords plenty of Sweet Mast for Swine,
which makes the Pork very oily, except it be hardened with
Indian Corn before it is killed or made use of.
There is another sort of Beech found here in several places
called Buck-Beech, and differs little from the former, only
in the Bark and Leaf there is some small difference, and the
Tree is generally not so large. The Leaves applied, help
Swellings, Blisters, and Excoriations of the Skin; the Juice
that comes out of the Tree bored, is excellent against Scrufts,
Tetters, Ring-worms, Scabs, and sore Mouths; the Kernel of
the Nut helps the Gravel and Stone in the Kidneys, so doth
the Ashes.
The Hlm Tree, whereof are two sorts, the first grows on
high Lands, and is like the Huropean Elm. The Indians
take the Bark of the Root of this Tree, and beat it to a Pulp
whilst fresh, and then dry it in the Chimney, with which they
heal a Cut or green Wound, very speedily. The other kind
of Hlm grows in wet or low Grounds, and differs but little
from the former, only the Bark is so very tough, that the
Europeans and Indians make Ropes of it for several uses,
which they strip of in April or May, when the Sap begins to
run, this they can do with the greatest ease imaginable at
that
of North Carolina. 67
‘
that time, there being such plenty of other valuable Timber,
there is little or no other use made of it at present. The
Decoction of the Bark and Leaves of the Hlm is of a cleans-
ing, drying, and binding Quality, and therefore good in
Wounds and broken Bones; the Liquor that issueth out of the
Tree takes away Scruff, Pimples, Spots and Freckles from the
Face; one Ounce of the inner-Bark in Wine, Purges Flegm.
The Mulberry Tree, whereof there are three sorts here,
beside the different bigness of some Trees Fruit. The first
is the common red Mulberry, whose Fruit is long and taper
at the Ends, and is the earliest in this Province (except the
Strawberries) they are sweet and luscious, the Planters make
use of their Fruit (which is above an Inch long) instead of
Raisons and Currans, for several Dishes; they yield a trans-
parent Crimson Liquor, which I do not doubt would make
good Wine, if the Planters Inclination tended that way: The
Parakeetoes and other Fowl feed upon the Fruit in the Sea-
son, and likewise the Hogs, as they drop from the Trees.
These Trees grow to be very large, and make the most de-
lightful and pleasant Shades to sit under in the Summer, of
any in these Parts of America, by their large Boughs spread-
ing at great distances, and growing as round as any I have
ever seen; you shall see in most of their Plantations, and
especially near their Dwelling Houses, these pleasant Ar-
bours.
The other two sorts bear a smooth Leaf fit for the Silk-
work ; the first of these bear a white Mulberry, which is com-
mon: The second bears a Fruit like a small Blackberry
which is very sweet; the Wood of these Trees are very dura-
ble and tough, and when the Indians can’t get the Locust
Tree, they use this, to make their Bows with. These Trees
grow extraordinary round, and pleasant to the Eye, as any
I: in
68 The Natural History
in these Parts, the Fruit, Leaves, and Barke are used in
Gargarisms for sore Throats and the Tooth-ach.
The Hickery Trees are of the Wallnut kind, and bears a
Nut as they do, whereof there are three sorts, viz. the Com-
mon white, the red, and the flying Bark’d.
The common or white Hickery grows tollerably large, but
is not a durable Wood, for if it be cut down and exposed to
the Weather, it will be quite rotten and spoiled in three
Years (as will likewise the Beech of this Country) but it is
very tough, easy to split, and maketh the best Hoops I have
seen. It bears a Nut much like the Wall-nut of this Country,
with a Husk about it, but of an Oval Form; the Kernels are
sweet, good to eat, and make Oil; the Hogs feed plentifully
on them in the Season, by which means they become Fat, and
make excellent Pork.
The Indians gather great Quantities of these Nuts, and
the Black Wall-nuts (being ripe in Autumn) which they pre-
serve and lay up in Stores for the Winter Season, whereof
they make several Dishes and Banquets; this is generally
done after the following Manner, they take these Nuts and
break them very small between two Stones, until the Shells
and Kernels are indifferent small, and this Powder they pre-
sent to Strangers upon little Wooden Dishes, the Kernel dis-
solves in the Mouth, the Shell is spit out, and tastes as well as
Almonds. They likewise thicken their Venison Broath with
this Powder, whilst the Shell precipitates and remains at the
bottom, making it very rich and agreeable in Taste; these
Nuts have much the same Virtues with the Wall-nuts.
The Red Hickery, is so called, from the Heart thereof
being red, firm, and durable, whereof are made walking-
sticks, Mortars, Pestils, and several other fine Turners Ware.
Both
vere a
eS ee es |
of North Carolina. 69
Both these sorts are plenty in this Province, and are the
best Fire-wood they have.
The third sort is called the Flying Bark’d Hickery, from
its britle and sealy Bark: It bears a Nut with a bitter Ker-
nel, and a soft Shell; of this Wood they make Coggs for
Mills, and several other Necessaries: The Leaves of all these
sorts of Hickery have a fragrant smell, and are much like our
Wall-nut in Hurope.
The Black Wall-nut Trees are plenty and large in this
Province, and the Wood firm and durable, whereof beautiful
Wainscot Tables, Chests of Drawers, and several other Nec-
essaries are made. Some of this Wood is very Knotty, but
fine Grain’d, and partly of the Colour of the Yew Tree; it is
so durable, that some have bottom’d Ships with it, it is like-
wise reported that it is never eaten by Worms bred in the salt
Water. The Kernels of these Nuts are good to eat, but after
some time they grow rank and oily. It grows exactly in the
shape of the Huropean Wall-nut, but the shell is much thicker
and harder, as most of the native Nuts of America are. This
Fruit is very agreeable and pleasant to eat; when it begins to
grow ripe and hath its yellow Husk or Coat on, it looks ex-
actly like a Lemon. The old Hogs feed plentifully on these
Nuts, which make them fat, and good Pork, but the young
Swine are not able to crack them, so that great quantities
lye under the Trees. It is called the Black Wall-nut from its
Black Barck, to distinguish it I suppose from the other
Hickery, whereof it is a Species.
The Ches-nut Tree in this Province grows mostly toward
the Heads of the Rivers, and hilly parts of the Country; it is
large and durable Wood, and is useful in building of Houses
and many other Conveniences. The Nut of the Ches-nut
Tree is smaller than the Huropean, but much sweeter and
better
70 The Natural History
better relish’d; they have the Virtues of Almonds and Hazle-
nuts, but more nourishing, the Leaves or Bark of the Tree
boiled in Wine are good against the Bloody Flux, and all
other kind of Fluxes.
The Sweet-Gum Tree, so called, from the sweet and fra-
grant Gum it yields in the Spring, by making an Incision in
the Bark and Wood. It cures the Herps, Tettars, Inflama-
tions, Morphew, and many other cutaneous Disorders: It is
likewise a soveraign Balsam for several internal Disorders,
as I have often experienced; it bears a Leaf partly like the
Aspen Tree, a round Bur, with a kind of Prickle like the
Forse Chesnut, wherein is contained the Seed; scarce any
Wood has a finer or better Grain, being very durable, and is
frequently made use of for Tables, Drawers, cc.
The black Gum Tree, whereof there are two sorts; the
first bears a black Berry well tasted, which the Indians com-
monly mix with their Pulse, and the kind of Soups they make,
to which it gives a pretty flavour, and Searlet Colour: The
Bears crop these Trees for their Fruit, of which they are very
fond, yet if they are kill’d at that Season, they eat unsavoury,
which no doubt is occasioned by their eating those Berries,
for at other times, when they feed on Beech and other Mast,
their Flesh is well tasted and good Food.
The second sort bears a Berry in shape like the former, but
bitter and ill tasted. This Tree the Indians report is never
hurt or wounded by Lightning, as other Trees generally are.
It has no certain Grain, and it is almost impossible to split
it for Use; from whence I am persuaded the Indians took
this Notion, that it is never hurt as above, from its being
so very difficult to split.
The White Gum Tree bears a sort of long bunched Flowers,
and is a beautiful knotted and curled Wood, and maketh
eurious
of North Carolina. 71
curious Furniture of several kinds, if wrought by skillful
Artists.
The Locust Tree bears a Leaf like the Liquorish Plant, and
has large and long Prickles (like the Hawthorn Tree, but as
long as the Quills of a Porcupine) in the Boughs and Body
of the Tree: It is the most durable Wood we have, and is
made choice of for all sorts of work that is exposed to the
Weather; it grows pretty tall and large, there are two sorts
of it, the White and the Yellow, it bears Cods like Kidney-
Beans, but much larger, wherein are contained some few
Seeds, and a certain Juice or Substance as thick and sweet as
Honey, but of a dark brownish Colour. Of this Tree the
Indians make their choisest Bows, being tough and flexible;
the Fruit of this Tree is much of the same Virtues and Uses
with Honey.
The Honey Tree is so like the Locust, that there is scarce
any Difference between them, only the Honey Tree is more
prickley than the former; and are a Species of the Locust
though eall’d by different Names; it bears long Cods like the
former wherein is contained the Seeds and the Honey. This
Tree grows as large as the Locust, and will bear in five Years
from the time of Planting; they were first brought here by
the Indian Traders, and propogated by their Seed, but from
what part of America is not known: These Trees, if planted,
would make the best of Hedges, being very prickley, and of
quick growth; I have seen Orchards of these Trees in Vir-
gima, where excellent Metheglin is made of their Fruit,
they sometimes boil it to the consistance of Honey, and use it
after the same manner.
The Service Tree groweth to be very large, and beareth
long Leaves like those of the Ash Tree; the Flowers grow in
great Clusters, and are of a whitish Colour, after which come
forth
72 The Natural History
forth small Berries, somewhat long, which are unpleasant to
the Taste, ’till they have lain by for some time, then they be-
come soft and mellow; they are in taste and operation like
the Medlar, but seldom made use of but by the Indians, the
Planters not regarding them: The Leaves are astringent,
and stop Fluxes, and the Fruit is cooling, drying, and bind-
ing, (especially when they are hard, and not altogether ripe)
they stop Fluxes in the Belly, and all other kind of Fluxes;
they Strengthen the Stomach, stop vomiting, and outwardly
heal Wounds, being dry’d and made into Powder.
The Birch Tree is plentiful in this Province, but gen-
erally towards the Freshes on the Banks and Heads of the
Rivers, but never near the Salt Water; it differs something
in the Bark from the Huropean Birch, and the Leaves are
sharper and smaller; it buds in April, and the Parakeetoes
come from all Parts to feed on them at that Season. Where
this Wood grows there are no Plantations; the Leaves are
cleansing, disolve and purge watry Humours, help Dropsies
and Stone in the Bladder, the Ashes of the Bark is effectual
to heal sore Mouths, and take away Seabs. The Mushrooms
are binding and cure the Piles, the Tears are pleasant to
drink and quench Thirst.
The Alder Tree grows in wet low Grounds near the Freshes
and heads of the Rivers, but is not common amongst the Plan-
ters, or near the Salt-Water; this Tree is so well known
amongst us, that it would be needless to describe it. The
Bark and Twigs are much used b7 the Planters in dying Wool
and Cloath black; the Wood is soft, but durable and lasting
in the Ground or Water, makes good Piles, and other Neces-
saries, the Leaves and Bark are cooling and binding, and used
in hot Swellings or Ulcers in the Body.
The
of North Carolina. 73
The Laurel Tree is plenty all over this Province, and grows
in low and swampy Ground, in height and bigness equalizing
the lofty Oaks; the Planters dye a yellow Colour with the
Leaves and Berries of this Tree, the Wood is not durable in
the Weather, yet serves for several Uses when kept dry, its
Virtues are doubtful, yet it is said to provoke Vomit, and
bring down the Menses.
The Ascopo is a Tree, so called by the Indians, very like
the Laurel in its Leaves, the Bark is of a hot spicy Nature,
much like the Cassa Iignea ; I never saw this Tree growing,
but the Indian who procured me a Branch of it assured me,
that they are plentifully to be met with at the Heads of the
Rivers, and near the Mountains, and that they grow pretty
large.
The Bay Tree delights to grow in the same Ground with
the Laurel, it is a beautiful Ever-green, the Wood of this as
well as the Laurel, are of little use only for Fire, and is
plenty all over this Province; the Berries yield a Wax
whereof they make Candles, which in burning afford a pleas-
ing smell, besides it is useful in Chirurgery, the Leaves are of
a bitter astringent Nature, but grateful to the Stomach, and
resists Vomiting; when made into a Pulse, help all Inflama-
tions, the stinging of Bees, and other venemous Beasts, the
Bark of the Root in Rhenish Wine provokes Urine, opens
Obstructions, cures Dropsies and Jaundice, but kills the
Fetus ; the Berries expel Wind and ease all manner of Pains
proceeding from Cold, therefore good in the Cholick, Palsies,
Convulsions, Epilepsies, and many other Disorders; some
have the Leaves tun’d up with Beer, which makes it pleasant
and grateful to the Stomach.
The Bay Tulip Tree is another beautiful Ever-green, is
very common, and grows in the same Ground with the former ;
its Virtues are uncertain, neither have I known any use
made of it.
K The
74 The Natural History
The Horn-beam Tree, grows in some places in this Prov-
ince both plentiful and large, the Leaves are like those of the
Elm or Witch Hazel, but tenderer; the Timber of the Tree
becomes so strong, durable, and hard, in process of time, that
it may rather be compared to a Horn than Wood, from whence
it took the Name Horn-beam, or Hard-beam; it is excellent
for making Arrows, Pullies, Shafts for Mills, and many
other Necessaries; yet is little regarded, or made use of, by
reason of the great plenty of other Wood in those parts; there
may be an Oil drawn from it, which is of excellent wse in the
cure of the French Pox.
The Maple Tree, of which there are two sorts, the first
has an exceeding white Grain, and generally grows in the
plain and champion Country; the second has a much harder
and more curled Grain, and grows in the Hilly and Moun-
tainous parts; both these sorts are large, with a smooth Bark,
great Boughs, and Leaves much like those of the Vine, hang-
ing by long reddish Stalks, which make delightful and re-
freshing Shades to sit under from the Heat of the Sun: The
Flowers which are of a whitish-green Colour, hang in Clus-
ters, after which come forth long Fruit resembling the Wings
of Grass-hoppers, with white and little Kernels in them: Of
this Wood is made Wainscots, Tables, Trenchers, Dishes,
Spinning-wheels, and the like; the Leaves and Roots are
Astringent, stop all sorts of Fluxes, and the Root helps Pains
of the sides and Liver.
The Persimon Tree agrees with all Lands and Soils, they
are common on all Plantations, the Fruit when ripe is nearest
to our Medlar, it is one of the greatest Astringents I have
ever met with, for if eaten, or chew’d before it is ripe, it
draws the Mouth up like a Purse. The Fruit when ripe, be-
ing apply’d to a Foul wound, presently cleanses it, but causes
exquisite
of North Carolina. 75
exquisite Pain: The Fruit soon rots after it is ripe, and
contains four flat Stones, resembling those of the T’amarinds.
The Planters make Beer of its Fruit, which they call Per-
simon Beer. There are two sorts of this Fruit, the one ripe
in Summer, and the other not before the Frost visits those
Parts; these Trees sometimes grow to two Feet diameter,
some make use of the Bark, instead of the Cortex peruviana,
or Jesuits Bark, for Agues, and it is reported that that Bark is
from the Persimon Tree in New-Spain.
The Holly Tree, whereof there are two sorts, one with a
large Leaf, and the other with a smaller, they generally are
to be met with in low wet Grounds; both sorts are in plenty,
and grow tollerably large, yet I have seldom seen any use
made of their Wood, there being such plenty of much better.
Their Berries are said to be good in the Cholick, for ten or
twelve being taken inwardly, purge strongly by Stool. The
Birdlime which is made of the Bark, being applied Plaster-
wise, consolidates Wounds, eases all manner of Pains, and
strengthens the Nerves, but if taken inwardly, it is mortal, for
it glues the Intrails together, so that the passages of the Excre-
ments are intirely shut up.
The Chinkapin Tree is a kind of a Chesnut, and very plen-
tiful, they bear great quantities of Nuts which are less than
a Hazle-nut, and of a Piramedial Form, they are in Taste
like a Chesnut, but sweeter: It?s Nut has a Husk or Bur
about it like the former, which opens when it is ripe, so that
the Fruit falls to the Ground, which is good feeding for
Hogs, making them fat and excellent Pork. The Grain of
the Wood and the Leaves on the Trees are very like the
Chesnut, but the Timber is not so large, yet it is used to Tim-
ber Boats, Shallops, &c. and makes anything that is to endure
K: the
76 The Natural History
the Weather; this and the Hickery are very tough Rods to
whip Horses with, yet this Wood is in Substance very brittle.
This Tree the Vine delights to twist about, it is good Fire-
wood, but very sparkling as well as the Sassafras ; the Nut or
Kernel of this Tree has much the same Virtues with those of
the Chesnut, but more binding, and are of excellent use to
stop Fluxes. ;
The Sassafras is very common, and grows large, its Wood
being sometimes above two Feet over, ’tis durable and lasting
for Bowls, Timber Posts for Houses, and other things that
require standing in the Ground, notwithstanding it is very
brittle and light, it hath a pleasant smell. The Leaves are
of two sorts, some long and smooth, the others indented about
the edges (especially those growing at the top of the
Branches) sometimes like those of the /’ig-tree, it bears a
small white Flower, which is cleansing to the Blood, if eaten
in the Spring with other Salating; it likewise bears a small
Berry, which when ripe, is black and very oily, Carminative,
and extremely prevalent in Coughs: The Bark and Root
help most Diseases proceeding from Obstructions, and of
singular use in Diets for the French Pox, it strengthens the
whole Body, cures Barrenness, and is a Specifick to those
afflicted with the Gripes, or defluctions of Rheum; the same
in Powder, and strong lotions being made thereof, is much
used by the Savage Indians, to mundify old Ulcers, and sey-
eral other uses; it is a beautiful and odoriferous Ever-green,
makes a delightful and fragrant Fire, but very sparkling.
The Willow Tree differs from the Huropean, both in Bark
and Leaves, but the Grain is not to be distinguished from the
former, and is commonly to be met with growing on the River
sides, and Banks of fresh Water, as the Birch does.
The
of North Carolina. 77
The Black Wild Cherry Tree, grows common in the Woods
in several places, and especially on light Lands, to be very
large, the Leaves and Grain are like those of the Huropean
Black Cherry, in May they are in their Bloom of Flowers, at
which time they appear all over as white as a Sheet; it bears
small black Cherries, in prodigious Quantities, which are ripe
in June, the Parakeeto’s, Wild Turkies, Swine, and several
other Beast and Birds feed upon them at that time. These
Cherries are very sweet and well tasted, and are better for
making of Cherry Brandy than any I have ever met with in
Europe, yielding a fine Colour, and most grateful Flavour to
the Brandy, and have the same Virtues with the Huropean
Cherries.
The Red Cherry Tree, is very scarce, and rarely to be met
with, it’s Virtues and Uses are much the same of those
with us.
The Wild Plum Tree, whereof there are two sorts, if not
more, one is much sooner ripe than the other, and differ in
the Bark, one being very Sealey like the American Birch, and
the other smooth, these Trees are in great plenty in these
Parts, and especially amongst the Indians, who are very fond
of them. These Trees when they are in Blossom, smell as
sweet as any Jessamine, and look as white as a Sheet, but are
something Prickly, you may make them grow to what Shape
you please; they are very Ornamental about a House, and
make a pleasant sight in the Spring with their beautiful
white Liverys: Their Fruit is red, and very cooling and
palatable to the sick; they are of a very quick growth, and
bear in five Years from the Stone. The English large Black
Plumb, thrives well, as does the Cherry, being grafted
thereon; this Fruit is in great Request amongst the Indians,
which they sometimes dry and preserve for the Winter.
There
78 The Natural History
There is another sort of Plum, about the bigness of a Dam-
son, the Tree is but small, and seldom exceeds ten Inches in
thickness, the Plum has a very physical taste, what may be its
Virtues is doubtful, but this I am sensible of, that when it is
chew’d in the Mouth, it is apt to make that part sore; the
Wood is something porous, but exceeds the Bow for it’s fine
yellow Colour.
The Damson Tree, whereof there are two sorts, the black
and the white, and are about the bigness of our Huropean
Damsons, they grow any where if planted from the Stone or
Slip, they bear a whitish Blossom, and are a good Fruit, they
are found growing in great plenty on the Sand-Banks, and
all along the Coast, they never grow large, but are plentiful
Bearers. ‘The Fruit of this and the Plum Trees are very
cooling and good in Fevers.
The #%g Tree, is to be met with growing wild in some parts
of this Province, and especially near the Mountains, the Fruit
of this is but small, notwithstanding the Tree grows to be
very large. The Leaves and Fruit are good to dissolve and
waste all hard Kernels and scrophulous Tumors.
The Hawthorn, or white Thorn Tree, of these there are
two sorts, the first is exactly the same with ours in Jreland,
and grows commonly near the Freshes and heads of Rivers,
but never near the Salt Waters. The second sort grows plen-
tifully in some parts of this Province, the Fruit, or Haws,
are quite different from those with us being considerably
larger and longer, and of a very agreeable taste. These Trees
are near as large as the Huropean, but have few or no
Prickles: There is no use made of the Timber, neither do
they plant this or the other in Hedges, because Timber is so
plenty at present. The Leaves, Flowers, and Haws, are very
binding, therefore good to stop all kinds of Fluxes; the Pow-
der
of North Carolina. 79
der of the Stone drank in Rhenish Wine, is of very great serv-
ice in the Stone, Gravel, and Dropsie.
The Black Thorn, or Sloe Tree grows plentifully in sev-
eral parts of this Province, (and is a Slender Tree about the
bigness of our Hazel) but is quite different from our Sloe
Tree in Ireland, the Fruit being generally twice as large and
as long as ours; this is of a more astringent or binding Na-
ture than the former. The Bark of this Tree being dryed
and made into a fine Powder, and apply’d to inveterate old
Sores (and especially in the Legs) very speedily cleanses
and drys them up, and is one of the best Remedies on those
occasions, I have ever met with.
The Dog-wood Tree, grows very plentifully in this Prov-
ince, on light and rich Grounds, the Trunk or Body whereof,
is covered with a rough Bark of a russet Colour with some
Pith in the middle, like that of Zlder. It flowers the first in
the Woods, of any Tree in this Province, making the Forrest
very beautiful at that Season; it bears a white Blossom in the
Months of February and March, much like the wild Rose.
The Leaves are full of Nerves or Sinews, in form like those
of Plantain, of a loathsome smell and bitter taste. Some of
these Trees are ten or twelve Inches diameter, and have a
very fine and beautiful Grain, and serves for several uses
within Doors, but is not durable, being exposed to the
Weather. The Bark of the Root of this Tree, is frequently
made use of by way of Infusion, and given to Children to
kill the Worms; these being the only use made of it at present.
The Sugar Tree grows very beautiful and high, with a
smooth Bark and large spreading Branches, which make an
excellent Shade to sit under in the extremity of hot Weather.
The Leaves are very large and broad like those of the Vine,
but
80 The Natural History
but I never observed any Flowers or Fruit growing on it, so
can’t satisfie the Reader as to that Point. It is of a very tedi-
ous growth, and is commonly to be met with at the heads of
tivers, and near the Mountains, but no where else. The
Indians tap it at certain Seasons of the Year, and place
Gourds to it to receive the Liquor, and when they have got a
sufficient quantity of Juice, they boil it to the consistence of
Sugar, which is as sweet, and serves for the same use, but
what other Virtues, or Uses, it may be indued with, I am a
stranger to.
The Hazel-nut Tree is so well known, that it would be
needless to say much on that head, it grows plentifully in some
parts of this Province, and especially near the Mountains
and heads of Rivers, but its Nut is not as good as the Huro-
pean, having a much thicker and harder Shell, and so have
most of the Fruits in America that I have seen. The Hazel-
nuts before they are thoroughly ripe are an excellent Astrin-
gent, and stop Fluxes of all sorts, a Decoction of the inner
Rind ‘of the Tree, drank for some Days together, is good
against the Strangury and kill Worms.
The Papau Tree is not large, being only about eight or
ten Inches diameter, but has the broadest Leaves of any
Trees I ever saw in the Woods of Carolina ; it bears an Apple,
about the bigness of a Hens Egg, which contains a large
Stone in it, when it is ripe it is of a beautiful yellow colour,
and as soft and sweet as any Fruit can be. The planters
make Puddings, Tarts, and many other Dishes of the Fruit
of this Tree.
The Red-bud Tree, so called from its red Buds; it bears
a beautiful purple Lark-heel Flower, and makes the most
agreeable and best Sallad of any Flowers I have ever met
with; its Fruit is ripe in April and May, these Trees are
not
ER Ree eee!
i iat ta le ali a Recall lela
of North Carolina. 81
not large, seldom being above ten or twelve Inches through.
The Flowers and Fruit are very cooling, and of an astringent
Nature.
The Sorrel, or Sower-wood Tree, so called from it’s Leaves,
that taste exactly like Sorrel. I have never known any uses
made of these Trees, which are but small, being not quite as
large as the former.
The Pellitory is a small Tree that grows in this Province,
especially near the Salts, Sand-banks, and Islands. The
Planters use it frequently to cure the Tooth-ach, by putting
a piece of the Bark in the Mouth, which is very hot, and
causeth much Rheum and Spittle to flow from thence; and as
I am credibly inform’d, is one of the Ingredients that the
Indians use when they Husquenaw their young Men and
Boys, whereof I shall treat in it’s proper Place, when I come
to describe the Customs of those People.
The Myrtle Tree, whereof are two sorts, different in Leaf
and Berry. These Trees grow in great plenty in wet swampy
Grounds, about ten or twelve Feet high, and bear small white
Berries in great quantities, which the Planter’s Wives and
Children pull in the Months of October and November, at
which time they are ripe, and boil them in Water in large
Pans, and so skim off the Wax it produces, which is of a
greenish colour (but in process of time becomes white) and
yields a most fragrant and oderiferous smell. This they
strain and make into Cakes or Candles, which are not only
very lasting, but grateful and pleasant for Ladies to burn in
their Chambers. Some mix half Tallow with them to make
Candles, others without any mixture at all, and are more dura-
ble in burning than Tallow or Bees-wax; and the best in the
World to burn in Binnacles in Ships that pass the Equinoc-
tial Line, and all excessive hot Countries, because they will
6 iG not
82 The Natural History
not melt with the extreamity of the heat, so readily as the
former. A Decoction of these Berries cure the falling out of
the Womb, Tettars, and Scald Heads, by fomenting the Parts,
and their Syrup is good in Coughs, and the like disorders in
the Breast.
The Sumach Tree grows about nine or ten Feet high, and
has tough and pliant Stalks, and Branches full of Twigs (like
Ozers) of a brownish colour, whereon grow Leaves that are
soft and hairy, having a red sinew or ridge growing through
the midst of them, and indented all about the edges. The
Flowers which come forth in July are of a greenish yellow
colour, and grow with the Leaves upon long and red Stalks
in clusters, after which follow small reddish Seeds in bunches
like Grapes, which are ripe in Aufwmn. This Plant is in
very great plenty all over this Province, but little or no use
is made of it at present. Yet it is of great value and use in
Hurope in dressing Skins, and especially the Spanish Leather.
There are small Birds that feed on it and the Myrtle Berries
in the Winter. This is one of the Ingredients used in the
cure of the Yaws. The Leaves and Seeds stop all kind of
Fluxes, and help the Hamorrhoides, all Issues of Blood and
weakness of the Stomach and Intestines; outwardly they
resist putrefaction; drie up running Sores, heal old Ulcers,
Gangrens, &c. the Gum put into the Teeth eases the Pains
thereof.
The Indico Tree (which is a kind of Woad, such as Dyers
use to dye Cloth) grows plentifully in this Province, but I
have never known any uses made of it.
The Indian-Nut Tree grows to be very tall, large, and
smooth, and free from Branches ’till you come near the top,
whereon grow Leaves like those of the Date, but broad and
sharp at the point as Thorns, whereof the Indians make
Needles, Bodkins, and many other Instruments for their
uses,
0 et le ee ee ee ee ee
of North Carolina. 83
uses, among these Leaves come forth clusters of Flowers like
those of the Ches-nut Tree, from whence are produced large
Fruit of an oval Form: In that end next the Tree, are two
Holes, and sometimes three quite through the Fruit; the
outside of this Fruit is covered with a substance not unlike
Hemp, or Flax, before it be beaten soft: In the middle
whereof is contain’d a great Nut, with a very hard shell, of
a brown colour, wherein is contained a white Kernel, firm and
solid, which tastes like an Almond; and within the Cavity
or hollowing thereof is found a most beautiful Liquor like
Milk, and of a pleasant Taste. This Tree continues green all
the Year, the Timber, though large, is very spungy within
and hard without. The Indians tie Ropes about these Trees
for more ease in gathering the Fruit, and they sometimes cut
off tender Twigs and Branches towards the Evening, at the
ends whereof they tye Gourds to receive the Liquor that dis-
tills from the Branches thereof, which they drink as Huro-
peans do Wine, and very much cools and refreshes their
wearied Spirits. They sometimes make Canoes of this Tree,
and of the Hemp that grows on the outside of the Fruit,
Ropes for several uses; from the Kernel likewise is produced
a most precious Oil, wherewith the Indians anoint their
feeble Limbs after long Journies, which not only refreshes
them, but likewise mitigates all manner of Pains and Aches.
The Christians sometimes distil this Liquor, from whence is
produced a strong and pleasant Spirit like our Aquavite, and
is used as a great Cordial for many Diseases in these parts.
The Palmeto Tree, the Leaves whereof grow in great Clus-
ters, only on the tops of the Trees are long stalks, exactly
in the shape of a Fan. This Tree when it is at its utmost
growth is about forty or fifty Feet in height, and about two
Feet diameter; and it is observable that the growth of this
L: Vegetable
84 The Natural History
Vegetable is so very slow, that it is scarce perceivable in the
age of Man, the Experiment having been often try’d in several
places where it grows. The Wood of it is very porous and
stringey, like some Canes, with the Leaves of this Tree the
Bermudians make fine Hats for Women, Baskets, and many
pretty Boxes for several uses, which are transported to the
Northern parts of America, where this Tree does not grow,
and to Great-Britain and Ireland. In North Carolina, this
Tree is a Dwarfish kind, and the Planters make of the Fans
of this Tree, Brooms to sweep their Houses with, which is
all the use I have seen them make of it.
The Hollow-Canes, or Reeds, such as Angling Rods are
made of, and Weavers use for their Reeds, grow in great
plenty in many places in this Province, especially in wet low
and Swampy Grounds, though there is none to be met with
to the northward of James’s River in Virginia. They con-
tinue green all the year, and are extraordinary good Pastur-
age for Cattle and Horses in the Winter, and in the Month of
March, when the Planters are obliged by the Laws of the
Country to burn off the old Grass in their Fields and Woods,
as the Heath is burnt off the Mountains in Ireland, by the
Farmers in those Places. They are so very large towards the
Heads of the Rivers that one joint will hold a Pint of any
Liquor. When they grow old they bear an Ear like Oats,
wherein is contain’d their Seeds, exactly like the Grains of
Rye (which being boiled is good Meat, and often made use of
by the Indians) soon after which they decay both Root and
Branch, but the Seeds never fail to grow again. These hol-
low Canes are Lodges for vast Numbers of Wild Beasts,
which the Indians frequently set on fire to drive them out,
by which means they kill vast Numbers of them, and you
shall hear these Canes during the time that they are burning
at
of North Carolina. 85
at a great distance cracking and making a Noise like two
Armies engaged, and firing at each other, which has deceived
many, supposing it to be the Jndians coming to War upon
them.
The Arrow-Wood, so called from the Indians making use
of it for Arrows for their Bows, and Rammers for their Guns.
It grows very streight, of several sizes, and is tough and
pliable, as the smallest Canes, of which it is a kind, and grows
in great plenty on the Banks and River-sides. It is very
strange to see how the Indians will harden the Points of their
Arrows, and how artfully they can fix sharp Flint Stones to
them, by which means they kill Deer, Turkies, and several
other Beasts and Birds.
The Prickley-Ash, is so called from some resemblance it
has to the Ash-Tree in its Leaves: It grows up like a Pole,
whereof the Huropeans and Indians make Poles to set their
Canoes along the Shallow Waters, it is very hght and full of
Pith like the Hilder, but is full of prickles and Thorns like
the Sweet Bryar, but larger. It bears Berries of a purple
colour in large Clusters like the Alder Tree. The Root of
this Tree is Cathartick and E'metick, and is frequently made
use of in Cachexies, with good success.
There is a kind of Prim, or Privet, that grows in this
Province on dry barren and sandy Banks, by the Sound side,
it differs little from ours, only this bears a smaller sort, and
grows into a round Bush, and is beautiful to behold, when
it’s Flowers are full blown. The Leaves and Flowers are
cooling and good in all Inflammations and soreness of the
Eyes, Ulcers in the Mouth and Throat, looseness of the Gums,
and to stop Fluxes.
The Gallberry Tree is a little Shrub, so called from its
bearing a Black-Gall or Berry, with which the Women dye
their
86 The Natural fistory
their Cloth and Yarn. It is a beautiful Ever-green, growing
plentifully in Swamps, low Grounds, and Ponds of fresh
Water; and sometimes on the Banks of the Rivers.
The Savine, is a low Shrub, and is plentifully to be met
with in this Province, especially in dry Ground and Banks
on the River sides. It beareth Leaves and Berries much
like those of the Cedar, it is a beautiful Ever-green, but is
not as prickley, neither has it such a strong smell as the Bar-
ren Savine that grows in our Gardens. The Virtues of this
Plant are so well known, that it would be needless to repeat
them.
The Misseltoe, or Missteltoe, that grows upon the Oak, was
formerly held in great veneration amongst the Pagans in
their Sacrifices; and it is much to be admired to see such a
Dwarfish Shrub grow without any visible Root, on so tall,
noble, and lofty Trees, as it does, and of a quite different
Nature to them. Various are the Opinions amongst Writers
how this Plant is produced. Some assign it’s growth to a
certain Moisture and Substance gathered together upon the
Boughs and Joints of Trees through the Bark, whereof this
vaporous moisture produceth and bringeth forth the Missel-
foe. Others assign it’s produce from the Dung of Wood-
Quests, Black-Birds, and several other Birds that feed upon
it’s Seeds, which they discharge upon several Branches and
Barks of Trees, and that the Seed will not grow without suf-
fering a change in these Birds Bodies. But which of these
Opinions may approach nearest Truth, I will not take upon
me to decide. But this I am certain of, that set the Seed
after what manner you will, it will never grow. It grows
in this Province in as great plenty as in any part of the
World, especially upon all the species of Oaks, and several
other Trees. It seldom exceeds above two Feet in height,
and
Fe Oe ee ee OG ee eee et
7s.
of North Carolina. 87
and there are two sorts of it. The first beareth Seed, and is
full of green Branches all the Year. The second is barren
and fruitless, and sheddeth its Leaves in the Winter, which
it doth not recover ’till Spring: The Leaves of this Shrub
is of a very bitterish Taste, and the Berries are so transpar-
ent, that one may see thro’ them, and within is a small black
Seed or Kernel. The Leaves and Berries are of a viscous
and clammy nature, whereof the best Burd-lime is made, far
exceeding that which is made of the Holly Bark. The Deer
and Sheep are very fond of it’s Leaves, croping them wher-
ever they can reach, which makes them very fat. It’s Uses
in Physick are too well known, to be inserted here.
The Indian-Tea Tree, which in their Language is called
Yaupan, and Cassena, grows in great plenty in this Prov-
ince, especially on the Sand Banks and Islands, bordering on
the Sea, none to be met with near the Freshes or heads of
Rivers, that I ever could learn. This Yaupan is a Shrub,
whereof there are three sorts. The first is a Bush of about
twelve Feet high, and groweth in rich low Grounds. The
second is about four or five Feet high, and grows on the Sand
Banks. The third seldom grows to be a Foot high, and is
found both on the rich low Ground and on the Sand Banks.
It grows the most like Box of any Vegetable I know, being
very like it in Leaf, only dented about the edges like Tea,
but the Leaf somewhat flatter. It bears a small whitish
Flower, which continues not long, after comes small Berries
about the bigness of a grain of Pepper, which are at first of
a reddish colour, but in the Month of December, when they
are ripe, they become brown. All these sorts differ very
little from each other in taste, when the infusion is made,
neither is there any difference in the Leaves, that I could
ever perceive, only those that grow in the low and rich
Ground,
88 The Natural History
Ground, are of a deeper Green, and larger than those grow-
ing on the Sand Banks, and this may be occasioned by the
richness that attends the low Grounds, thus situated. The
Cattle, Sheep, and Deer are very fond of these Plants, and
crop them wherever they can reach or find them. The Wood
is very brittle, and its Bark of a light Ash-colour. The
Planters frequently make use of it with Physick, by reason
ot it’s safe and speedy passage through the Bowels and Ure-
ters, which I have often experienced, and is of excellent use
in the Stone and Gravel, by it’s diuretick Quality. It is
likewise used as T'ea, and in making Punch. What request
it is of amongst the Indians, and how they cure it, I shall in-
form the Reader when I come to treat of these People.
The Piemento, or All-spice Tree, grows commonly in wet
and low Grounds, about eight or ten Feet high, though I have
known some transplanted to high Land, where it thrives very
well. It bears a Berry different in shape from those in the
Hast Indies, being longer and taper, yet not inferior to any
of that sort. The Leaves of this Tree are much like the
Hurts, and so is the Bark.
The /Turts, Huckle-Berries, Bill-Berries, or Blues, of this
Country, whereof there are four sorts that we are well ac-
quainted with. The first sort is the same Blue or Bill-Berry
which grows plentifully in the Mountains in Ireland, and
many other places. The Juice of these Berries are of a very
binding and cooling Nature, therefore good in Fluxes and
Fevers, they cool and comfort the Stomach, and stop Yom-
iting.
The second sort grow on small Bushes in the Savannas
and Woods, their Leaves are of a dark Green colour, much
like the former, but larger, amongst which come little hollow
Flowers, which turn into Berries, and are longer than the
former.
The
of North Carolina. 89
The third sort grow on one single Stem, about three or four
Feet high, in low rich Lands, and on the Banks of the Rivers ;
their Fruit are as large and good as the former, and are very
plenty in many places of this Province.
The fourth sort grow on Trees about ten or twelve Feet
high, and about the thickness of the small of a Man’s Leg;
are very pleasant, and bear wonderfully: These grow plen-
tifully in wet low Grounds, in many places in this Province ;
the Planters gather great Quantities of them in the Season,
dry them in the Sun, and make use of them for Puddings,
Mine’d Pyes, and many other Uses as we do Cwrrans and
Raisons: All these sorts ripen gradually one after another.
The Jndians get many Bushells of them, which they likewise
dry on their Matts in the Sun, and preserve and keep all the
Winter, whereof they make Bread mix’d with /ndian-Corn-
Meal, like our Plum-Cakes, and several other Eatables, which
are pleasant enough.
*Willow-Oak is a kind of Water-Oak, so call’d from its
Leaves, which very much resemble those of the Willow. It
grows in low Grounds and ponds of Water, and is used for
Fire, Fences, €&c.
April-Currans, so call’d, from their being ripe in that
Month, grow on the Banks of the Rivers, or where Clay has
been thrown up; the Fruit when ripe, is red, and very soon
gone. They are tollerable good Fruit whilst they last, and
the Tree (for it is not a Bush they grow upon) is a pleasant
Vegetable.
Bermudas-Currans, so eall’d, from their growing plenti-
fully in that Island, are very common in the Woods of Caro-
M lina
*This Tree by Omission, hath not been inserted in its proper Place,
viz. amongst the Oaks, whereof it is a Species.
90 The Natural History
lina on a Bush, much like the Huropean Currans, but not so
agreeable to the Taste, being but an indifferent Fruit, though
frequently eaten by the Planters.
Winter-Curran, so call’d, by reason it bears Fruit which
are only ripe in October; it grows on a Bush about seven or
eight Feet high, and the Fruit is like our Bull-berry; the
Planters make the same uses of it as we do of Raisons and
Currans, for Puddings, Mine’d-Pyes, &c. This Bush is very
beautiful to behold, growing round, and is a plentiful Bearer.
All these sorts of Currans are of a very cooling and binding
Nature, therefore good in Fevers and Fluxes.
The Brier-Rose, or Hip-Tree, is to be met with in some
places, especially on dry Lands, but is generally of a Dwarf-
ish kind, but its Fruit is as good as ours. The Pulp is cool-
ing and agreeable to the Stomach, good in Fevers or violent
Heats, and is of excellent use in the Fluxes of this Country.
The Lasberries are of a purple Colour when ripe, very
agreeable in Taste, but are not as rich Fruit as the Huropean.
They grow on a Stalk more like the Bramble than the Lass-
berry-Bush, and are in many parts of this Province, and its
a difficult matter to root them out, when once planted; they
have much the same Virtues with the Huropean Rassberry,
but are more binding.
The Huropean Rassberry thrives and bears in Carolina to
admiration, and is as grateful and pleasant Fruit in it’s kind,
as any in the World; and are to be met with growing in most
of their Gardens. This Fruit has much the same Virtues
with the Black-Berry, but is more Cordial and less Binding.
The Black-Berry grows after the same manner as those
with us, but their Brambles or Stalks are not so thick or long,
and their Fruit is not to be compared with ours, being ill
tasted
of North Carolina. 91
tasted and bitter, but has much the same Virtues, viz. cooling
and astringent; the Juice, with Honey, Allum, and red Wine,
fastens loose Teeth.
The Dew-Berrys grow on small Brambles or Stalks about
two or three Feet long exactly like the Black-berry. This
Fruit is sweet and good to eat, and like our Black-berry in
shape, but is as red as a fas-berry when ripe, and has much
the same Virtues with the former.
I will in this place give an account of the Straw-berry
though it be not a Shrub. The Straw-berrys in this Province
are not only large, sweet, and good, but in as great plenty as
in any part of the World, growing almost every where, and
are the first Fruit the Hogs feed upon in the Spring. The
Planters in their Canoes go to the Islands (which are to be
met with in several parts of the Rivers) and pull what quan-
tities they please, bringing generally home their Canoes full
of this pleasant Fruit, from those parts where the Hogs can’t
come to feed. They quench thirst, help inflammations of
the Stomach, comfort the Heart, and revive the Spirits, help
diseases of the Spleen, and Reins, provoke Urine, are good
against the Stone and Gravel, and are usefull in Fevers, by
cooling and comforting the inward parts.
The Honey-Suckles or Wood-bind (whereof there are four
Sorts I have already given an account of) are very plenty in
this Province, and are much the same as those with us, but
do not grow so large. The Leaves and Flowers are pectoral
and Diuretick, and cure Asthmas and Coughs, outwardly
they are Cosmetick, and take away Scabs and Pimples in the
Face, the juice is vulnerary, eases wounds in the Head,
strengthens the Nerves, and makes an excellent gargle for
sore and dry mouths.
The Yellow-Jessamine is to be met with here in several
parts of the Woods, and not only affords in the Summer-time,
M: when
92 The Natural History
when it is in it’s splendor a most delightful prospect, but
likewise a pleasant shade and a grateful and fragrant smell
to those that pass through the Woods. The Flowers are an
excellent perfume, an Oil made of them with Oil of Olive is
of excellent use in Convulsions, Cramps, and Stitches in the
side. The Flowers are of the nature of Camomile, and are
good in all hard and cold swellings, in Clysters, help the
Collick and pains of the Womb, and cure the Schirrus
thereof, help delivery, Coughs, shortness of breath, Pleuri-
sies, pain of the Stomach and Bowels.
I shall in the next Place give an account of the Vines that
this Country produces; and first the Huropean Vines, which
thrive well, and their produce are extraordinary great, the
Lands of Carolina being as proper for Vines as any in the
World, yet there are but few Vineyards planted in this Col-
ony at present, for I have seen but one small one at Bath-
Town, and another at Neus, of the white Grape, the same .
with the Madera, I have drank of the Wine it produced,
which was exceeding good. Though of late they have got
Slips of several Sorts of curious Vines, which no doubt will
soon come to perfection, there being nothing wanting but
industry to make this as fine a Wine and Oil Country, as
any in Hurope, as may appear from the few Tryals that have
been already made. Ripe Grapes eaten largely, often cause
Diarrhea’s, yet the Stones stop vomiting and Fluxes, being
dried and given in Powder. When they are dried in the
Sun, they are good against Coughs, Asthmas, Colds, Obstrue-
tions, Ulcers in the Mouth, Lungs, Kidneys, and many other
parts; outwardly, they ripen T’wmors, help Gouts, Gangrenes
and Mortifications.
The Vines that are Spontaneous and produce Grapes in
Carolina, are of six Kinds, and are as follows, The Foz-
grape,
of North Carolina. 93
grape, whereof there are four sorts, two of which are call’d
the Summer-Fox-grape, because they are ripe in July.
The other two are call’d the Winter Iou-grape, because
they are not ripe till September or October.
The Summer Fox-grapes do not grow in clusters or great
bunches as the Huropean do, there being only five or six upon
one stalk, and are as big as a large Damson. The Black sort
are very common and plentiful all over this Province, but
the White are very scarce and seldom to be met with. These
Vines always grow in Swamps and wet low Lands, running
sometimes very high according to the growth of the Timber
which they meet and twine about for their support. They
have the largest Leaves of any Vine I ever saw, therefore
wou’d make delightful and Shady Arbours to sit under in
the extremity of the hot Weather. This Fruit always ripens
in the Shade, and has a pretty Vinous taste, but is not so
juicy as the Huropean Grape, having a much thicker Skin,
and is of a more glutinous Nature, yet pleasant to eat.
Winter-Fox Grapes are much of the same bigness with the
former, and are very plenty in most parts, refusing neither
Swampy, Dry, Hilly, or Sandy Grounds to grow in, and are
greater producers than the former, and when thorow ripe,
have a Vinous Flavour and eat well, but are as Glutinous,
have as thick Skins, and the Leaves as large as the other sort.
The White are very clear and transparent, and have indif-
ferent small Stones. They make very pleasant Shades in all
parts of the Woods where they grow; and if they are trans-
planted, thrive wonderfully. I have seen Stems of these
kind of Vines, that were thicker than a Man’s Thigh.
The small Black Grapes grow plentifully in Carolina, and
have large Clusters or Bunches growing together lke the
European.
94 The Natural History
European. 'These Grapes, though very small, are well rel-
ish’d, and plentiful Bearers, they have a thick Skin and
large Stone, which makes them yield little Juice, which is
of a Crimson Colour, and hath a Vinous Flavour. The
Black Grapes and the following, are not ripe until Autumn.
There is another Black Grape, exactly resembling the other
small Black Grape, only the Juice is of a lighter Colour, but
as well relished as the former.
The small White Grape is to be met with in this Provinee,
but is very scarce, growing in few parts of the Woods, yet
its Bunches or Clusters are as well knit together, and as well
relish’d, as any of the former; all these Kinds of Grapes
might be indifferently used in Physick, as the Huropean’s
are.
The Planters pull and eat some of these Grapes when they
are ripe, and frequently juice them, whereof they make Vin-
egar, which is all the use I have seen made of them, as also
of all the other Spontaneous sorts growing in Carolina.
What remain in the Woods are devoured by several Beasts
(that climb high Trees) and the Birds.
I shall in the next place give an Account of several other
sorts of Vines (growing in this Province) that produce no
Grapes, some whereof are most beautiful Ever-Greens, others
affording most pleasant Shades and fragrant Flowers, and are
as follows. ;
First, the Scarlet Trumpet Vine, so called, from the glo-
rious red Flowers like a Bell or Trumpet, which it bears, and
makes a fine Shade in the Woods where it grows, inferior to
none I ever saw. It loses its Leaves (which are large) in the
Winter, and remains naked until the Spring. It bears a
large Cod that holds its Seed, but I never saw any use made
of its Bark, Leaves, Flowers, or Seeds, in Physick or other-
wise.
There
of North Carolina. 95
There is another sort of Vine which I know no Name for,
but it is a beautiful Ever-Green, with Leaves like the Jessa-
mine, but larger and of a harder Nature, this grows to be a
large Vine, and twines itself round the Trees; it grows near,
and makes a fine Shade. It bears a Black Berry which is
not ripe till Winter. It is a very Ornamental Plant, and
worth transplanting; for I never saw any thing make a more
pleasant and delightful Shade to sit under in the extreamity
of the Heat in the Summer, and likewise from the Rain and
severity of Weather in the Winter. But what Virtues it may
be endued with, is uncertain.
The May-Cock, is a Vine so ealled, from an Apple which
it bears, and is ripe in that Month, it has a beautiful Flower,
and the Fruit is of an agreeable sweetness, mixt with an acid
Taste. It is a Summer-Vine, and is naked all the Winter
till Spring, at which time it buds, and in the Summer Season
is very Ornamental. The Fruit of this Vine is cooling and
quenches Thirst.
The Oak-Vine is no Tree, but so called, from a Burr it
bears like the Oak, and generally runs up those Trees, it’s
Stalk or Stem is so very porous, that you may suck Liquors
through it at a length of two or three Feet; I know no other
use it is for, never having seen it made use of amongst either
Christians or Indians, in any manner of Disorder.
The Poysonous Vine, so called, by reason it colours the
Hands of those that handle it, of a yellowish Colour, but
what Uses or Virtues it hath, is uncertain, no Experiment as
yet having been made of it. The Juice of it stains Linnen,
never to be wash’d out by any Art. It dyes a blackish blue
Colour, this is done by breaking a bit of the Vine, and press-
ing with it’s End what Mark you think proper. It runs up
any Tree it meets with, and clasps round it. The Leaves of
this
96 The Natural History
this Vine are shaped like Hemlock, and fall off in the Winter.
The Small Bamboo is another kind of Vine, grows in wet
low Grounds, and is seldom thicker than a Man’s Finger;
the Stem is like the Sweet-brier, full of Prickles and Joints,
but very rough. These Vines bear small Black-berries, their
Root is hike a round Ball, which the Indians boil (as we do
any Garden Root) and eat, which they say is good and nour:
ishing. When these Roots have been out of the Ground for
some time, they become exceeding hard, and make Heads
for Canes, on which several Figures may be cut. I know of
no other uses made of them at present.
Prickley Bind-weed, or Sarsaparilla, is a kind of Prickley
Vine, not unlike the former, it groweth plentifully in several
Places, but especially on dry Lands, or the Banks of Rivers.
It has many Branches set full of sharp prickles with certain
clasping Tendrels (like several of the other Vines) with
which it taketh hold upon Shrubs, or whatever is next to it.
One single Leaf groweth at each Joint, like that of Ivy, fre-
quently mark’d with little white Spots, and guarded or bor-
dered about the Edges with crooked sharp Prickles. The
Flowers are of a whitish colour, and fragrant smell. The
Berries are like those of the wild Vine, green at first, and red
when they are ripe, and of a biting Taste, wherein is con-
tain’d a black Seed, like Hemp, the Roots are long, and grow
deep in the Ground. It is good against Catharrs, all manner
of Defluctions, Gout, and Pox, being of a Sudorifick Nature.
The Indian Figg-Tree, commonly call’d the Prickley-Pear.
This strange and admirable Plant, call’d Ficus Indica, grows
in great plenty, especially on the Sandbanks and dry Land,
and seems to be nothing but a multiplicity of Leaves; that is,
a Tree made of Leaves, without Body or Boughs, for the
Leaves
of North Carolina. 97
Leaves set in the Ground, do in a short Time take Root
and produce other Leaves, that grow one above another, ’till
such time as they are pretty tall like a Tree, their Leaves
spreading out like Boughs, sometimes more or less according
to the difference of the Soil it grows in, adding one Leaf
above another, whereby it spreads over a great piece of
Ground. These Leaves are long, broad, and thicker than a
Man’s Hand, of a deep green colour, set full of long sharp
and slender Prickles. On the tops of these Leaves come
forth long Flowers, not unlike those of the Pomgranate-Tree,
and of a yellow colour, after which is produced the Fruit,
like the common Fg, or small Pear, in shape. The outside
of this is Fruit of a greenish Colour, but within it is full of
red Pulp or Juice, staining the Hands of those that touch it
with a sanguine or bloody colour. The tops of these Figs
are invironed with certain scaly Leaves like a Crown, wherein
are contain’d small Grains that are the Seeds, which being
sown, bring forth Plants round bodied like the Trunk of
other Trees, with Leaves placed thereon like the former,
which being planted in the Ground, bring forth Trees of
Leaves also. The Fruit of this Plant is luscious and sweet,
and frequently eaten, but must be well cleansed from the
Prickles, otherwise wherever they enter, it’s a hard matter
to get them out, and frequently leave Knobs in the Skin.
Upon this Plant grow certain’ Exerescences, which in contin-
uance of time become Insects, which are the Cochenele, so
much valued, for dying the best and richest Scarlet Colours.
I have already made mention of it’s changing the colour of
the Urine like Blood, whereby many at first sight doubted of
their Recovery, imagining what they voided to be pure Blood,
being altogether Strangers to its Effects upon the Urine;
T N whereas
98 The Natural History
whereas it only gives this high Tincture, without any Pain,
as I have frequently experienced. We have no certain Ac-
count, from the Antients, of the temperature or virtues of
this Plant; yet I am very certain, that it is indowed with
many excellent Qualities, and that the Juice of it’s Leaves
are good against Ulcers of long continuance, Burnings, and
Inflammations in several parts of the Body.
Thus having given you the most exact Account that I
could learn of the Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, that this Coun-
try naturally produces (But undoubtedly there are many
other Species that are not yet known, which time and en-
quiery must discover) I shall therefore proceed to give an
Account of the Huropean Fruit-trees that are to be met with
here, most of which thrive well. And first of the Apples, and
their different Species.
The Golden-Russet is an excellent Fruit, and thrives well;
this Apple, and the following sorts, are soon ripe, and have
great produce.
The Red-strak’d grow well, whereof they make Cyder in
many places: But for the most part, these and the other
Fruits are only Food for the Hogs, there being such plenty
of most kinds, that they are little made use of or regarded.
The Swmmer and Winter Pearmains are apt to speck and
taint on the Trees, especially the South-side of the Fruit, and
the Trees are frequently damaged by small Worms, that breed
in several parts of the Bark, which cut Circles about the
Branches, and sometimes round the Body of the Trees, and
destroy the Bark that it soon dies (especially above those
Circles) for want of a sufficient quantity of Juice or Nour-
ishment from the Roots, to produce Leaves and Fruit, this
frequently happens in the heat of the Weather, when the
Trees are loden with Fruit.
The
of North Carolina. 99
The Winter-Queening thrives well, and produces excellent
and durable Fruit, of which the Planters make good Cyder,
and is seldom prejudiced by the Worms.
The Harvy-A pple, likewise thrives well, whereof they make
Cyder.
The Leather-coats, both Apple and Tree stand well, have
as great produce, and thrive as well as any in this Province.
The Jenneting is an early Fruit, thrives well, but is soon
gone, in this warm Climate.
The Coddling looks as fine and fair to the Eye as any
Fruit in the World, yet the Tree suffers after the same man-
ner as the Pearmains do, or rather worse, for they commonly
dye before they come to their full Growth. The Planters
make the first of their Coddling Cyder against the Reaping
of the Wheat, which is in the beginning of June, as I have
already made mention.
The Long-stalk, is the same here as in Lurope, it thrives
well, and makes good Cyder.
The Lady-Finger, or Long-Apple, is the same as in Hurope,
and full as good. There are several other sorts of Apples in
this Country called by different Names, according to Peo-
ples fancies, and most of them good for Cyder. All these
Fruits are very cooling, therefore good in Inflammations and
Fevers, they gently loosen the Belly, and are of excellent
use in all Burnings, Scaldings, dc. and take away the Heat
of St. Anthony’s Fire.
I never met with the Wilding or Crab Tree growing in
this Province, or any other part of America that I have
been in.
There are several sorts of Pears in this Country, all which
thrive well, and are as good as any in Hurope, such as the
Katherine, Sugar, Warden, Burgomot, Jenneting, Quince
Pears, and many others, which are as well relished as any I
N: have
100 The Natural History
have met with, but all these Fruits are of short continuance,
being soon ripe and almost as soon gone.
The Quince-Tree thrives well, and is in plenty, and it’s
Fruit is as well relished as in any part of the World. The
Fruit eaten raw, is pleasant, of which the Planters make a
Wine or Liquor which they call Quince-drink, and is the
best Drink that Country affords at present, though they have
plenty of Cyder, and some Perry made there. They like-
wise draw a Spirit from this Fruit, Apples, and Peaches,
which is as pleasant and grateful as any Brandy I have ever
tasted. This Quince-drink, most commonly purges those that
make use of it, and cleanses the Body, which is a contrary
Effect to what it hath in Hurope, being of an astringent Na-
ture there; which contrary Effect must certainly be owing to
the difference of the Climates. The least slp of this Tree
stuck in the Ground, comes to perfection, and will bear in
three Years.
The Peach, whereof there are several sorts (these Trees do
not differ in Shape, but in their Fruit only) viz. the Queen’s,
the Nutmeg, the Newington, and the grand Carnation Peach ;
the Black, the White, the Roman, and the Indian Peach, and
many other sorts, called by different Names, according to
Peoples fancies, are all standing Trees like the Apple or Pear,
with us; for the Reader is to understand, that there is no
such thing as Wall-Fruit in this Province, there being Heat
enough, therefore do not require it. These Fruits thrive to
admiration, coming to Perfection without any Pains or
trouble, for the Ground in these parts is so natural for these
sorts of Fruit, that a Peach-stone being Planted, or falling
on the Ground, will grow and bring forth a Peach-tree that
will bear in three Years, or sooner. And it is to be observed,
that
of North Carolina. 101
that in their Peach Orchards, and many other places where
the Stones fall, they grow so thick, that they become a perfect
Wilderness of Trees, that the Planters are obliged to pull
them out of the Ground, as we do Weeds out of our Gardens.
They generally bear in such plenty, that the weight of the
Fruit frequently break off great Limbs of the Trees. The
Planters sometimes take out the Stones and dry the Fruit
in the Sun, which they preserve for the Winter; they are
grateful to the Stomach, and cause a good Appetite: They
also make a Liquor of them which is very cooling, and good
in Fevers. The Flowers loosen the Belly, kill Worms in
Children, and open Obstructions.
The Indian-Peach Tree, is a kind of Peach common
amongst the Indians, which they claim as their own, and
affirm that they had it growing amongst them before any
Europeans came to America. This Tree grows as large as
any Apple Tree, the Flowers are of a reddish Colour, the
Fruit is generally larger than the common yellow Peach, and
more downy, it is an extraordinary good Fruit, very soft and
full of Juice, will freely part from the Stone, which is much
thicker than any of the former. These Peaches are common
amongst the Indians, and those that live remote from the
Christians, haveing no other sort: They are a hardy Fruit,
and seldom damaged by the North-East Winds, as the other
are. Of this sort there is made Vinegar, therefore some call
them Vinegar Peaches; though this may seem to be a Spon-
taneous Fruit of America, yet in those parts already inhab-
ited by the Huropeans, I never cou’d learn that any of these
Peach-Trees were ever found growing wild in the Woods.
The Indians have plenty of this sort of Peach, but scarce any
other is to be found amongst them. They have much the
same Virtues with the former.
The
102 The Natural History
The Nectarines, whereof we have two sorts, which are very
fair and large, viz. the Red, which clings to the Stones, and
the Yellow which parts from them. I see no foreign Fruit
like these for thriving in all sorts of Lands, and bearing to
admiration. The Planters raise them from the Stone, which
never fails to produce the same sort the Stone came from; for
I never observed much Pains taken in either Inoculating or
Pruning their Fruit Trees, as is customary in Hurope, not-
withstanding they bear in as great plenty. This Fruit has
much the same Virtues with the former.
The Apricock-Tree grows to be very large, exceeding most
Apple Trees. They are great Bearers, if the Season proves
favourable, but it often happens in an early Spring, and when
the Trees are full blown, that the North-East Winds which
happen in the latter end of February or beginning of March,
blast and destroy most part of it’s Fruit. The Flowers are
of a whitish Colour, and the Fruit round like a Peach, Yel-
low within and without, wherein is contain’d brown smooth
Stones, less than those of the Peach, having a sweet Kernel.
These Trees are generally raised from the Stone, and never
fail to produce as good Fruit as the Stone came from. The
Fruit is cooling and pleasing to the Stomach, but apt to sur-
feit; an Oil made of the Kernel is much of the same Nature
with the Oil of Sweet Almonds.
The Medlar Tree, I never observed growing in North
Carolina, but do not doubt it would thrive as well as any
other Tree from Hurope.
The Huropean Wall-nuts are very large Trees, and thrive
as well here as in any part of the World. There are two of
these Trees growing at Bath-Town, which were produced
from the Nut, and are exceeding great bearers, and the
most beautiful and fragrant, when in their prime, of any
Trees
of North Carolina. 103
Trees of that Sort, I ever saw. These Trees, arrive sooner
to Perfection here than in any part of France or Spain, are
excellent good Fruit (when ripe) and used in several Dis-
orders of the Body, such as malignant Fevers, &c.
The Cherry Tree. The common red and black Cherry
bear exceedingly well from the Stone, but would do much
better had they been grafted in the Indian Plum Tree Stocks,
because these admit of no Succors or Scions to grow round
the Tree, which the Cherry Tree is subject to, and proves
very prejudicial to the Trees and Fruit. Cherry Trees are
not only liable to this, but several Apple Trees and other
Fruit-Trees, which might be soon remedied by a skilful Gar-
dener, or careful Planter, whose Genius tends that way.
The Cherries are ripe here a Month sooner than those grow-
ing in Virginia. The Fruit of the Black Cherry is good in
Epilepsies, Convulsions, Apoplexies, Palsies, and many other
Disorders; the red is cooling, quenches Thirst, and good in
Fevers, &c.
The large round Black-Plums, thrive well, and become
large Trees, if planted in stiff Grounds; but they will not
answer if planted in light sandy Ground, where they are sub-
ject to be torne up by the Storms and Squals of Wind, that
are frequent in this Country. The same misfortune attends
both Forest and Fruit Trees, growing in these kinds of
Grounds. There are several other kinds of these Trees that
bear Fruit of various Colour, Figure, Magnitude, and Taste,
but have much the same Virtues with the Cherries, being of a
cooling Nature.
The Damson Tree thrives well, and the Planter’s Wives
and Daughters make good Dishes of it’s Fruit. The Leaves
of these Trees are used with Rhenish-Wine for Defluctions
and swellings in the Jaws and Throat.
The
104 The Natural History
The figg-T ree, of which there are two sorts, viz. the greater
and the lesser. The large Yigg Tree hath many Branches full
of Pith within, like H/der, and large Leaves of a dark green
Colour, divided into several Divisions. The Fruit comes out
of the Branches without any appearance of Flowers, that I
could perceive, which is in shape like Pears. This Tree, not-
withstanding it grows to be very large, yet beareth the lesser
Fruit, which it produceth in abundance, especially if planted
in light Lands, for it thrives no where better than on the
Sand Banks, and near the Sea-shoar. This Fruit being
broken before it is ripe, yieldeth a white glutinous Liquor,
but when the Figs are ripe, the Juice of it is like Honey, and
as sweet.
The lesser or smaller Fig Tree, is like the former in it’s
Leaves and Fruit, but seldom exceeds seven or eight Feet in
height, growing more like a Bush than a Tree. The Fruit
is ripe in July, very sweet and luscious, and considerably
larger than the former. If the Frost proves severe in Winter,
the Tops of this Shrub decay and dye. As soon as the Spring
approaches, it sprouts and bears vast quantities of Fruit. I
could never observe any Flowers it has, for it comes out of
the Branches, like the former. The Leaves of these Trees
are sharp, opening, and vulnerary; and being applied with
the Roots of Marsh-mallows, waste away the King’s Hvil and
all hard Tumors; the Fruit is likewise used with good success
in the same Disorders, the Juice or Milk is Cosmetick, and
with Barley-meal and Lard, help the Gout and Piles, &e.
The Filberd-Tree being planted here, in a few Years de-
generates into a small Dwarfish Nut, no bigger than the
Hazle, yet it’s Fruit is as good as any in Hurope, but few are
either so industrious or curious to plant these Trees, there
being such quantities of spontaneous Fruit.
The
of North Carolina. 105
The Orange-Tree groweth to be as large as a small Pear
Tree, having many thorny Boughs or Branches; the Leaves
are partly like those of the Bay-tree, these, and their Flowers
(which are of a beautiful colour) yield a most fragrant
smell. The Christian Inhabitants have planted many of
these Trees of late, which thrive tollerably well, especially
near the Sea-Coast and light Ground, where they chiefly de-
light to grow. The Flowers are of great Use in Perfumes; a
Water made of them is Pectoral, and helps Fevers, the out-
ward Rind is very hot, dry, and of thin parts; it expells
Wind, and comforts a cold Stomach.
The Bead-Tree, so called from it’s Fruit resembling Glass-
Beads at a distance. It bears Flowers (much like those of
the Olive) which smell sweet. It grows in a round Bunch
about four or five Feet high, and is to be met with in many
of their Gardens; their Fruit are as large as Peas, and hard
when ripe, but easily drill’d, whereof are made Bracelets, and
several other Toys. It is ornamental in Gardens, and the
Flowers are good for Obstructions in the Head. The Decoc-
tion of the Bark with Fumitory and Myrobalans, help Agues.
The Leaves and Wood are accounted deadly to Beasts, and the
Fruit is very dangerous, if not poysonous.
The Gooseberry-Tree, or Bush, does not thrive here, though
I have frequently met with it in their Gardens, but of a
dwarfish Kind to what we have in Jreland, and other parts
of Europe, but I am perswaded that if it had been planted in
their swamps or moist low Grounds, it would thrive and bear
well.
The Red and White Currans thrive much better here than
the former, and bear tollerably well when planted near a
shade, or in moist low Grounds. The Fruit is cooling and
grateful to the Stomach.
O The
106 The Natural History
The Barberry-Tree or Bush, whereof we have two sorts
which thrive well, viz. one with, and the other without Stones,
wherein consists the difference; the colour and the taste of
the Fruit being the same. The Flowers are of a yellow
colour, and grow in clusters upon long Stems, after which
are produced long slender red Berries, when they are ripe.
The Leaves spring forth in March, and the Flowers in Au-
gust. The Bark and Leaves open Obstructions, and are of
singular Use in the Jaundice. The Fruit is very cooling in
Fevers, grateful to the Stomach, and causeth a good Appetite.
The fose-Tree, and it’s Kinds. There are none to be met
with growing Spontaneous in this Province. These Trees
have been brought from Hurope, and other Parts, and are to
be met with in most Planters Gardens, especially the common
white and red Rose, but few of the other sorts.
The Rosemary is not a Spontaneous Shrub in Carolina, as
in France, Spain, and many other parts of Hurope, in the
same Latitude; but is to be met with in most of their Gar-
dens, and thrives well.
There are many other Fruits in this Country, that I am a
Stranger to, which are beneficial and advantagious to the
Planters, not only for their own Use, but likewise in feeding
their Swine, and makeing them exceeding fat, and as well
tasted as any in the World.
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of North Carolina. 107
OF THE BEASTS.
HE Buffelo, or wild Beef, is one of the largest wild
Beasts that is yet known in these parts of America; it
hath a Bunch upon it’s Back, and thick short Horns,
bending forward. Pliny reporteth in the eleventh Book of his
Natural History, that the Horns of one Buffelo’s Head were so
large that they contain’d or held two Measures, eall’d Urne,
which is about eight Gallons. This Monster of the Woods sel-
dom appears amongst the Huropean Inhabitants, it’s chiefest
haunts being in the Savannas near the Mountains, or Heads of
the great Rivers. Their Flesh is very course, and nothing to
be compared with our Beef, but their Calves are said to be ex-
cellent good Meat, as in all probability they are: And it is
conjectur’d that these Buffelo’s being mix’d, and breeding with
our tame Cattle, would much improve the Species for large-
ness and Milk; for these Monsters (as I have been inform’d)
O: weigh
108 The Natural History
weigh from 1600 to 2400 pounds Weight. They are a very
fierce Creature, and much larger than an Ox. . The Indians
cut their Skins into Quarters, for the ease of Transportation
or Carriage, and frequently make Beds of them to lie on; they
likewise spin their Hair into Garters, Girdles, Sashes, and the
like, being long and curled, and frequently of a black or red
Chesnut colour. Of these Skins and the Wild Bull’s the best
Buff is made. Their Horns wou’d serve for several uses,
such as drinking Cups, Powder-horns, Lanterns, and many
other Necessaries, being transparent when wrought; Rings
made of them are said to help the Cramp, and the Liver the
Spleen; the other Parts have much the same Virtues with
the Ox. There were two of the Calves of this Creature taken
alive in the Year 1730, by some of the Planters living near
Neus River, but whether they transported them to Hurope,
or what other uses they made of them, I know not, having
occasion to leave that Country soon after.
The Elk is a monstrous, large, strong and swift Beast, in
shape exactly like a Deer, but bigger than a Horse, and is re-
ported to be fearful, and subject to the Epilepsy or Falling
sickness. They have two large Horns, which exceed in weight
all Creatures that are yet known in the New World. Their
Neck is short and thick, but the Ears and Back very long:
Their Colour is like a Harts, and sometimes all White.
Their Flesh is not near so sweet as the allow-Deer, being
much courser and stronger. These Creatures may be made
Domestick, and it is said, that they are so swift, that they
will run more Miles in one Day than a Horse can in two.
Some take the Elk for the Red Deer of America, but I am
credibly informed, that they are of two different kinds, and
that they will never breed together. Their Horns generally
weigh
of North Carolina. 109
weigh twelve or fourteen Pounds. These Beasts are plenti-
fully to be met with in the Savannas near the Mountains, and
Heads of Rivers: It is reported that some of them are seven-
teen Hands high. Several parts of this Animal are used with
good Success in Physick, and especially the Hoofs of the
Male’s hinder Feet, which have a pleasant scent when they
are burnt.
The Stags are swift in Motion, and are said to be a long-
liv’d Creature, they are plentifully to be met with in or near
the Mountains, but are not so large as those in Hurope, yet
much larger than any Fallow-Deer. They are fat all Seasons
of the Year, and it is said, that some Deer on the Mountains
afford the Occidental Bezoar, and not produced from the
Goat, as some have reported. The Flesh nourishes almost like
Beef, but breeds much more melancholy Juice. The Tallow
makes incomparable fine Candles, and their Horns and Skins
are a good Commodity. There are many valuable Virtues
ascribed to the several Parts of this Deer, and all the other
sorts, and not undeservedly, which are so well known, that it
would be needless to insert them here.
The Fallow-Deer are taller and longer Legg’d in Carolina,
than those that are to be met with in Hurope, but neither run
so fast, nor are so well Haunched. Their Shingles are like-
wise much longer, and their Horns stand forward as the other
incline backwards. ‘Towards the Salts, they are not com-
monly so fat and good as those on the Hills, and near the
Heads of the Rivers: They are in great plenty all over this
Province. Their Nostrils and Throats are frequently found
full of Bots or Maggots in the Spring, which make them very
poor at that time; but as the Swmmer approaches these Bots
become the most beautiful Butter-flies immaginable, being
large, having black, white, red, and yellow stripes in their
Wings.
The
110 The Natural History
The Fawns are beautifully mottled with rows or stripes of
white and brown, which only continue ’till they are one Year
old. Deer-skins are one of the best Commodities that North
Carolina affords, which the Planters export in great Quanti-
ties for Hngland and other parts.
The Lyon and Jack-all, are supposed to be in Carolina,
from an Account the Indians give us, who report that near a
Lake of Water, towards the Head of Neus River, there is a
Creature that haunts those parts, and frightens them from
Hunting. They say that it is partly in colour like a Panther,
and that the only way they have to avoid it is by climbing
up Trees, which it cannot do. They likewise say, that there
is a swift Creature which remains with, and attends it, much
like the English Man’s Dog: This Account I had from sev-
eral of the Indians; but whether or no there be any such
Beasts in these parts, I cannot affirm the certainty thereof,
for I never saw either them or their Skins.
The Bears are very common in this Province, though not
quite so large as in more Northerly Climates, such as Green-
land and Russia. Their Flesh is good and nourishing, not
inferior to the best Pork in taste, and is betwixt Beef and
Pork: The young Cubs are a most delicious Dish, as most of
the Planters testifie, who prefer their Flesh before Beef,
Pork, Veal or Mutton, and it looks as well as it eats, their
Fat being as white as Snow, and the sweetest of any Creature
in the World; for, if any Person drinks a Quart of it melted,
it never rises in the Stomach, as other Oils and Fats are sub-
ject to do, and is preferr’d above all things for frying Fish,
&c. Those that are Strangers to it may judge otherwise, as
it happened to me not long after my arrival in America, who
could not be prevail’d upon to eat Bear’s Flesh; but travel-
ling in the Country with some other Company, we were in-
vited
of North Carolina. 111
vited to Dine at a Planter’s House, who entertaind us with a
large Loyn of a roasted Bear. I imagin’d it to be a Loyn of
Pork, and eat as heartily of it, which seem’d to me to be the
most delicious Meat of that kind I ever tasted; that I could
not forbear all that Day to extol the goodness of it, still sup-
posing it to be Pork, tho’ the Company knew the contrary,
but did not undeceive me. The next Day we were invited to
another Planter’s House, who told us he had the finest piece
of Bear that could be, just roasted and ready for the Table.
The Company very readily accepted of his Invitation, but as
for my part, I could not be prevail’d upon for some time to
eat; the Company said, they were much surpriz’d because I
prais’d it so much the Day before. For I never knew ’till
then but that it had been Pork. I only mention this to shew
what power Prejudice has over us.
But to return. The Bacon made thereof is extraordinary
good, but must be well saved, otherwise it will rust. I have
seen very good Hams (not inferior to the best Westphalia)
made of these Bear’s-flesh. These Beasts feed upon all man-
ner of wild Fruits, and are great devourers of several sort of
Fish, especially Herrings, which they catch at the Brooks
side in the Months of March and April. The Flesh of those
Bears that feed upon them is not good that Season, and eats
filthily; neither are they good when they feed upon Gum-
Berries. They are great devourers of Swine, that they take
in the Woods, especially when they are hungry and can get no
other Food, which is the only Flesh-meat they are fond of.
They sometimes get into the Indian Corn-fields, or Maze,
where they generally spoil ten times more than they eat.
They are so fond of the Potatoes, of this Country, that they
seldom fail to destroy and root out all clean whenever they
chance to come where they are.
And
12 The Natural History
And notwithstanding they seem to be such a clumsy Crea-
ture, yet they will very nimbly climb Trees (when pursued
by Hunters and Dogs) where they generally remain till shot;
and it is strange to see with what agility they will go up and
down the Trees, and in coming down they always run tail
foremost. They are likewise very dexterous and expert in
Fishing, catching vast Quantities of several sorts of Fish, as
they run up the narrow Creeks and shallow Waters to Spawn.
There you shall see these Beasts sit, and take up Fish as fast
as it is possible for them to dip their Paws into the Water.
There is one thing very strange and remarkable of this Crea-
ture, which is, that no Man, either Christian or Indian, ever
killed a She-Bear with Young; for it is supposed, that after
Conception (which is in the Winter) the She-Bears hide
themselves in the most secret places ’till they bring forth their
Young, which according to Pliny is in thirty Days. But
Hlianus affirmeth not ’till three Months, which is the most
likely and credible, because all large Creatures bear their
Burthens longer than such as are small; when they Couple
together, the Female lieth on her Back, and the Male coupleth
with her, which few other Beasts are known to do. They
have commonly three or five Cubs at a time, which seem to be
at first a lump of white Flesh, void of Form, without Hair or
Eyes, only there is some appearance of Claws. This rude
Lump they fashion by degrees, by their constant licking. It
is likewise reported that after conception they will Sleep so
soundly for fourteen Days that it is not possible by any means
to awaken them, and that during their abode in those secret
Places, they never appear abroad for Food, but only suck
their Paws, which is all they subsist upon during that time.
It
of North Carolina. 113
It is most certain, that they hide themselves in the most
Secret Places, otherwise the Jndians, who constantly hunt in
the Woods, and kill thousands of He ones, would at some time
or other have found them. SBear-hunting is a very great
Diversion amongst the Christians and Indians, the former
have a Breed of Dogs fit for that kind of Sport, about the
size of Farmers Curs; these by practice become acquainted
with the Scent of the Bears, which as soon as they have found
they run him by the Nose ’till they come up with him, and
then bark and snap at him ’till he Trees. By the Noise of
the Dogs the Huntsmen repair to the place, and find the Bear
in a large Tree, where they generally shoot one after another,
till they kill him: And though they are not naturally vora-
cious, yet are they very fierce, and will fight most: desperately
when wounded, for which reason there are three or four of
these Huntsmen together with Guns ready, for fear the first
shot should miss, or not quite kill him.
If any of these Dogs should fasten on a Bear, the Hunts-
man looks upon him as not good, for the best Dog in Hurope
is nothing in their Paws, for when ever they get a Dog in
their Clutches they either tear him in pieces, or blow the Skin
from the Flesh like a Bladder, and sometimes kill him; but if
he recovers, he never is good for any thing afterwards. As
the Paws are accounted the best Morsel of this Creature, so
is the Head esteemed the worst, and is therefore cast away,
for the Brain is said to be Poisonous. They are not near so
plenty now as they were some Years ago in this Province,
where the Planters have kill’d four or five Hundred in one
Season; the reason is because they are so very easily kill’d,
for the least Dog will make them Tree, where they most com-
monly remain ’till shot, for the Dog continues barking about
the Tree ’till the Planters come to their Assistance. The
8 Pp Parts
114 The Natural History
Parts of this Beast are good in several Disorders. The Oil
is used in many Cases, and especially by the Indians to paint
their Bodies withal. The fine Furr at the bottom of their
Bellies is used in making Hats, and the Skins for several
Uses, such as Hammer-Cloths for Coaches, Furniture for
Saddles, &c. and the black Cub’s Skins for Muffs.
The T'yger is in shape somewhat like a Lioness, but has a
short Neck. His Skin is most beautifully mottled with sev-
eral kinds of spots resembling the Panther, only the former
are not so round, nor have such different Colours. They are
large, strong and swift Beasts, but are never to be met with
in the Settlements, being more to the Westward, viz. on this
and the other side of the Mountains, but are very scarce and
seldom to be found in this Province, by what I could learn
from the Indians; and in our Journy up towards the Moun-
tains we saw but one. They have a great many young Ones
at a time, and are very fierce and bold Creatures, and will
spare neither Man nor Beast to satisfie their Hunger, as I
have been inform’d by the Indians and some of the Planters
who have seen and kill’d them. Plmy reporteth that the
young Ones are carried off in the following manner in India,
viz. The Hunters lie in wait to espy when the T'ygress is
abroad, that they may have an opportunity to carry off the
whole Litter of Whelps at once, upon very swift Horses pre-
pared for that End. But when the Tygress returneth and
findeth her young ones gone, she pursueth most swiftly those
that carried them away, by the Scent. But as soon as they
perceive the T'ygress approaching near them, they let fall one
of the Cubs, which she taketh in her Mouth, and runneth back
to her Den with it, and immediately pursueth again in quest
of the rest of her Whelps, thus she runneth to and from her
Den, until such time as the Hunters have an Opportunity to
embark
of North Carolina. 115
embark and get off with part of the young Ones. The Flesh
of this Beast is eaten by the Savage Indians, who say it is as
sweet and good as Beef. The Tyger is much larger than a
Gray-hound, with shining Eyes, crooked Nails, sharp Teeth,
and Feet having many Toes; they love their young extreamly,
which may be tam’d by giving them Opium, as it is reported ;
the Fat is good against Palsies, &c.
The Panther is of the species or kind of Cats, is near as
large as the Tyger, and much of the same shape, the Skin is
of a reddish or whitish Colour, finely mottled with small
round black Spots, and the Hair is short and mossy. It is
said, all four-footed Beasts are wonderfully delighted and en-
ticed by the smell of the Panther, but that their frightful
Countenances soon scareth them away, wherefore they hide
their Heads ’till they come within reach of their Prey, which
they leap upon and quickly devour. They climb Trees with
the greatest agility imaginable: They are very strong limb’d,
and will catch and take a piece of Meat from any Creature
they strike at. Their Tails are exceeding long, and their
Eyes are large and of a grayish colour, yet look very fierce
and sparkling. They are very destructive to the Planters,
being a swift Beast of Prey, devouring Swine, Deer, or any
other Creature they can Master. No Creatures are so nice
and cleanly as these in their Food, and when they have got
their Prey, they fill their Bellies with the slaughter, and care-
fully lay up the remainder, covering it very neatly with
Leaves and Boughs of Trees, which if any other Creature
happens to touch, they will never eat any more of it. They
pur like a Cat, and such is the wildness of their Nature, that
altho’ taken young, they are never to be tamed. They will
hollow in the Woods like a Man, by which means many have
been deceived, supposing it to be some of their Acquaintance
P: that
116 The Natural History
that hollowed, yet I never hear’d of any Body being hurt by
them; and the smallest Dogs will make them take up into a
Tree, where they generally remain ’till they are shot by the
Huntsmen, and if it happens that they don’t kill them out-
right, these and the Bears are a very dangerous Enemy when
they are wounded, to the Huntsmen; but more especially to
the Dogs that approach too near them. Their Flesh looks as
well as any Shambles-meat whatever, and abundance of Peo-
ple eat them as choice Food. The Indians make warm coy-
ering for themselves in Winter of the Skins, though it is not
esteemed amongst the choice Furs. Their Skins dressed,
make Upper-leather for Shoes, or Gloves for Men and Women.
The Fat is hot, dry, and cosmatick, and helps the Vertigo,
Palsie, Scabs, Ring-worms, and Varices (or swelling of the
Veins.) The Gall being drank, presently kills, for it burns
the Humours by its violent heat, causing Convulsions, vomit:
ing of Green Cholor, and Death. It is reported that some
Poyson their Arrows therewith, that they may kill the sooner.
The Mountain-cat, so called from it’s living in the Moun-
tainous parts of America, seldom appeareth or approacheth
near the Settlements. This is likewise a Beast of Prey, as
the Panther is, and is nearest to him in bigness and Nature.
They seldom do any Mischief to the Planters, because they
are so remote from them, their continual haunts being in and
near the Mountains, otherwise they are most destructive and
fierce Creatures. They will nimbly climb Trees when pur-
sued by Huntsmen and Dogs, where they remain till they
are shot, but if only slightly wounded, will fight most desper-
ately, tearing the Dogs in pieces that they chance to meet
with, which seldom happens, by reason so many hunt in a
Body together, who are always well armed, and ready for
such
of North Carolina. 117
such Encounters, otherwise these Beasts would be dangerous
Enemies to meet with thus wounded, in the solitary parts
of the Woods. What uses are made of these Beasts are uncer-
tain, because they seldom or never appear or are kill’d by
the Planters near the Plantations, and what use the Indians
make of them we know nothing of at present.
The Wild-cat is likewise another Beast of Prey, and is
quite different from those in Hurope, being more fierce, nim-
ble, and large; they have a very large Head, yet their Tails
do not exceed four Inches in length. They are of a fine Tabby
colour, and as large as a Fox. They make an odd and fright-
ful sort of Cry in the Woods at Night. They are dextrous
in climbing of Trees, which they do with the greatest Agility
imaginable, and Prey as the Panthers do, being great de-
stroyers of young Swine. They take most of their Prey by
surprize, for they get up into the Trees and kill Deer as they
feed or pass by near them, by leaping directly upon them,
and so fasten their Teeth into their Shoulders, and thus suck
their Blood ’till they die, as a Weesel does a Rabbet with us,
so that you shall see the Deer run through the Woods in this
manner, ’till at length for want of Strength he falls to the
Ground, and becomes a prey to his Enemy. Thus they take
every thing by surprize, not being able to catch any thing by
running. They destroy Hares, Birds, and every thing they
meet that they are able to conquer. The Furr is made use of
in Stomachers for weak and cold Stomachs, in lining of Muffs
and Coats in cold Countries. Their chiefest haunts are in
Swamps, Perkorsans, and amongst the Hollow-Canes. They
are not near so numerous now as they were some years ago,
the Planters continually meeting and killing them as they
hunt
118 The Natural History
hunt in the Woods. Their Fat is externally us’d for several
Pains, and Aches, for which it is good.
The Pol-cats (by some called Scunks) of America, are
different from those in Hurope, being much thicker, larger,
and of various Colours; not all alike, but each differing from
another in their particular Colours. They smell like the
European Fox, but if possible, ten times stronger, and more
offensive: When a Dog encounters them, they piss on their
Tails and sprinkle it on him, by which means he shall smell
a Month or more, so that he is not to be suffered to come into
the Houses; and if it should happen to touch ones Cloths,
the smell by no means can ever be discharged, except they be
buried in the Ground for some time, which Method ends gen-
erally in the loss of the whole Suit.
The Indians love to eat their flesh, which has no manner
of ill smell when the Bladder is out. They feed in the Woods
on Rats, Mice, Birds, and sometimes Fish. They are easily
made tame (and frequently come about the Planters Houses
at Night) yet few covet to entertain Guests so offensive in
their smell. There is another sort of Pol-cat in most respects
like those in Hurope, and I have been informed, that there
are white ones to be met with in and near the Mountains: I
know no use made of their Furs, or any part of them in
Physick.
The Minx is a small Animal, much like the English Filli-
mart or Pol-cat, being long, slender, and every way like him.
The haunts of these Beasts are chiefly in the Marshes by the
Sea-side and Salt-water, where they live on Fish, Fowl, Mice,
and Insects. They are very bold Thieves, and will steal Fish
or Fowl from you in the Night, and will venture to take it
even from under your Head when you are asleep. They are
likewise found a great way up the Rivers, in whose Banks
they
of North Carolina. 119
they make Holes and live, which is known by the great quan-
tities of fresh Water Mussel-shells, that lye at the mouth of
their Holes. They are great Enemies to the Tortoise and
Terebens, whose Eggs they find and scratch out of the Holes
in the Sand, which they quickly devour, as the Raccoons and
Crows do.
These Beasts may be made tame, and are the greatest de-
stroyers of Rats and Mice in the World, and were it not for
their paying unseasonable Visits now and then to the Poultry,
they would be in great esteem amongst the Planters. Their
Skins are good and valuable, provided they are kill’d in the
Season; I never knew any use made of this Animal in
Physick, except the Fat for Pains and Aches.
The Wolf, is the Dog of the Woods, for it is reported that
the Indians had no other Curs before the arrival of the Chris-
tians amongst them. These Wolves may be made domestick,
but they are not so large or fierce as those in Hurope, they are
no Man-slayers, neither are there any Creaturs in Carolina
(except they be wounded) will attack Man, Horse, or Dogs.
They go in great Companies together in the Evenings and at
Night (especially in the Winter-time) and will hunt down a
Deer in full Cry, as well as the best Pack of Hounds, one of
them will hunt down a Deer, but they are frequently so very
poor that they can hardly run or pursue their Prey. When
they are very hungry, and can take no Game, it is reported,
they go to the Swamps and fill their Bellies full of Mud, and
if afterwards they chance to get any Flesh, or stinking Fish,
they will readily discharge the Mud, and eat the other. They
make a most hideous noise when they are in pursuit of their
Prey, and will follow the Indians in great droves through the
Woods, who only kill the Deer and other Beasts for their
Skins and generally leave most part of the dead Carcass be-
hind
120 The Natural History
hind them, on which the Wolves feed, this being what induces
them to follow the Indians after that manner. Formerly there
was a Reward (in this Province) for all those that kill’d them,
which made the Indians so active, that they brought in such
vast quantities of their Heads, that in a short time it became
too burthensome to the Country, so that it is now laid quite
aside, and the Indians will not kill them. The Planters
formerly made Holes or Pits in the Earth to take them in,
where they killed great Numbers, but their dogs being led to
those Places by the Scent of the Baits that were laid for the
Wolves, most of them were destroyed, so that this method is
entirely neglected, and they are become as numerous as ever,
being as great Breeders as our Dogs and Bitches. They are
but small, many being no bigger than midling Dogs, they are
very crafty, but fearful Creatures, for they seldom or never
attack or kill either Foles or Calves, but are very destructive
to Sheep, if they are not carefully put up in their Penfolds at
Night, and especially if it prove stormy Weather, at which
time they will come about the Planters Houses, and strive to
devour their Sheep, but in good Weather they never dare
appear so near their Dwellings, which if they had done, the
Dogs would soon chase them away, so sensible and crafty are
they to come when the Dogs are all under some Cover to pro-
tect them from the violence of the Weather, and they gener-
ally kill all before they begin to eat, as many have testified.
It is the Opinion of the most judicious Hunters in these
Parts, that if they did not die for Hunger, or some secret un-
known way, which they have for destroying one another, they
would be the most numerous Beasts in America, being such
prodigious Breeders. Their Skins drest to Parchment make
the best Drum Heads, and if Tan’d, good Shoes for Summer
Countries
of North Carolina. uLeA
Countries, and being laid on Beds, are said to banish Fleas,
Bugs, and all other kind of Vermine from thence. The Skin
worn about the Belly is good in the Cholick, and all cold Dis-
orders. The Flesh being boiled helps the Gout, and many
other Disorders. The Fat is much of the same nature and
uses with that of a Dog, being externally used in all kinds
of Aches, Palsies, Luxations, and Fractures. The Dung and
Blood are excellent good to expedite the Birth, and after-
Birth.
The Beavers are amphibious Animals, like the Otter, living
both on Land and Water, yet they never go into the Sea, their
Haunts being altogether in the Freshes. They are very nu-
merous in Carolina, there being abundance of their Dams in
most parts of the Country where I have travelled. They are
like an Otter, but larger, and have broad flat Tails, in shape
like a Soal, and covered with a Skin like the Scales of a Fish,
upon which they carry the Mud and Earth, with which they
make their Dams. Their Heads are short, and the Ears are
very small and round, and the Teeth so long and Sharp, that
they will cut down Trees growing by the River sides, as if it
were done with an Ax or Chizel. Their Fore-feet are like a
Dogs, and their hinder Webbed like a Water-Fowl, and they
are one of the most industrious Beasts in the World. They
are very subtil, and cut down Trees in the Night (for they
are scarce to be seen in the Day) with which they make their
Dams. The Food which they chiefly feed on are Fish, and
the Barks of several sorts of Trees and Shrubs, such as Sassa-
frass, Sweet-gum, Ash, Birch, and many others. If they are
taken young, they become tame and domestick, but are very
mischievous in spoiling Orchards, by barking the Trees, and
blocking up the Planter’s Doors in the Night with the Sticks
and Wood they bring thither. If they eat any thing that is
Q Salt
122 The Natural History
Salt, it presently kills them. Their Flesh is very sweet Food,
and especially their Tails, which is held as a great Dainty.
They have such a Jargon amongst them when they are at
Work, that one would immagine them Discoursing, or in
a grand Debate about their Building, wherein it is said, they
have such an orderly Government, that each knows his proper
Business and Station, and that the Overseers beat the Young
ones that loiter in their Business, and will make them ery,
and work stoutly. It is very surprizing to behold with what
Pains and Labour they make their Dams, and how artificially
they build their Houses, one Appartment above another, until
they lie dry. They are sometimes shot, but are taken most
commonly after the following manner. The Planters break
down part of their Dams, and lay Traps in those places,
which the Beavers attempting to repair and mend at Night,
are caught in them. Their Furr, which is of a brownish
colour, is softer and finer than any Plume or Down of Feath-
ers, and a good staple Commodity in this Country. Their
Skins being dress’d, make thick Leather, fit for Shoes, and
wears well, it is likewise used in Mittens for Hedgers, and
several other ways. From this Beast comes the Castoreum,
which is it’s Stones, the Virtues whereof are so well known
that it would be needless to insert them.
The Otters are plentifully to be met with near the Heads
of the Rivers, and live on the same prey in Lurope, viz. on
Fish, and sometimes Fowl, and are the same in most respects
as those with us: Yet there have been seen some Otters to the
Westward of this Province, which were of a whitish gray
Colour, a little inclining to Yellow. Their Furr, if Black,
is valuable to make Hats, Muffs, and several other Necessa-
ries. Although the Flesh be cold and ill-scented, yet some
eat it, the Blood mixed with Vinegar, helps swellings of the
Sinews;
of North Carolina. 123
Sinews ; their Skins worn about the Body, help Palsies, and
other cold Disorders; the T'esticles are good in the Epilepsy
and Fits of the Mother, and have much the same Virtues with
the Castoreum.
The Raccoon (which I take to be a Species of the Monkey)
is of a dark grey Colour, and in shape and bigness it partly re-
sembles a ox, but has large black Eyes, with great Whiskers
like a Cat, the Nose like a Pig, and the Feet are form’d like
a Hand, or those of a Monkey. If these Animals are taken
Young, they are easily made tame and familiar like a Dog,
yet they are very Apish, and the drunkenest Creatures in the
World, if they can come at Liquors that are strong and sweet ;
and, if possible, are more mischievous and unlucky than a
Monkey; they are very subtile and crafty in taking their
Prey. Those that live near the Salt-Waters feed much upon
Oysters, which they are fond of. These Beasts watch the
Oyster when it opens, and nimbly put in their Paw, and
pluck out the Fish, yet it sometimes happens that the Oyster
shuts and holds fast their Paw ’till the Tide comes in, by
which means they are frequently drown’d notwithstanding
they swim very well. This animal is very fond of Crabs,
which are plenty in this Province, and the way they take
them is very remarkable and diverting, for when he intends
to make a Prey of this Fish, he goes to the Marshes on the
Water side, and standing on the Land he lets his Tail hang
down in the Water, which the Crab takes for a Bait, and
fastens his Claws therein, as soon as the Raccoon perceives it,
he of a sudden springs forwards a considerable way on the
Land, and brings the Crab with him; as soon as the Crab finds
himself out of his Element, he immediately lets go his Hold,
and then the Raccoon encounters him, by getting him cross-
ways in his Mouth, and so devours him. There is a sort of
Qs Land-Crabs
124 The Natural History
Land-Crabs in Carolina, which are commonly called Fiddlers,
these live all along the Sea-shoar, and have Holes in the Sand,
into which they run when pursued by any kind of thing.
These Crabs the Raccoon takes by putting his fore Foot into
their Hole and pulling them out, which is very diverting with
a tame one. The chief of his other Food is wild and tame
Fowl, all manner of Fruits, Green Corn, and the like. This
Beast and the Posswm, are much of a bigness. They are very
dexterous in climbing of Trees, and often make unseasonable
Visits among the Poultry. The Indians and Negroes fre-
quently eat them, and esteem them very much. The Furr
makes good Hats, and Linings for Coats in cold Countries,
and the Skins dress’d make fine upper-Leather for Women’s
Shoes, and Gloves for Men. ‘The parts of this Beast are
much of the same Nature and Virtues with those of the
Otter, and may be indifferently used after the same manner.
The owes are as large as those in Hurope, but generally of
a gray Colour, they have redish Hair about their Ears and
are most commonly fat, yet I have never known any Person
eat them, notwithstanding they have not that strong smell
that the Foxes in Ireland, and other parts have; yet they are
as mischievous in their Nature. When they are Hunted,
they run up the first bending Tree they meet with for Secu-
rity from the Dogs, where they generally remain ’till forced
down or shot by the Huntsmen, but whether they Burrow in
the Ground, I cannot inform the Reader, (for I never met
any [ou-Holes in the Country) They are never to be made
tame or familiar as the Raccoons and other Beasts in that
Country are. The Furr of this Animal, if taken in the Sea-
son, is very good, and is used for Muffs, and many other
Ornaments. Their Food is chiefly Birds, Fowls, Rabbets,
and such like small Prey. The Fat or Oil helps Nodes, con-
tracted
of North Carolina. 125
tracted Sinews, Pains of the Joints, Gout, Palsie, and many
other Disorders.
The Possum is to be met with no where but in America,
that I could ever learn, and is the wonder of all Land Ani-
mals; it is near as large as a Badger, and partly of that col-
our, but lighter. The Males Pisel is retrogade, and in time
of Coition differs from most other Animals, turning tail to
tail as Dog and Bitch when tied together. The Female no
doubt breeds her young ones at her Teats, for I have fre-
quently seen them stick fast thereto, when they have been no
bigger than the end of a Childs little Finger, and seemingly
to move and be alive. The She one has a false Belly or
Pouch, which covers her Teats, and wherein she carries her
Young; in the middle of which is a Hole where the young ones
creep in and out, for the Female will lye down upon a Bank,
and the young come out to sun themselves, and return in at
Pleasure, yet the Female will contract this Pouch so secure
and close together, that she will swim over large Ponds and
Creeks of Water with her Young, without any danger of their
being drowned. They have about five or six young ones at
a Time, which remain sporting in and out of this false Belly,
till they are able to fend for themselves. They have long
Tails without Hair, like a Rat, but as thick as a Man’s
Thumb; and appear as if they were Sealy, which they will
readily twine about your Finger or Cane, in which Posture
you may carry them where you please. They are a very
stupid Creature, being altogether negligent of their own
Safety, and never strive to flie from their Enemies, as it is
natural for all other wild Beasts to do. In shape, they are
most like Rats of any thing, and have very wide Mouths and
sharp Teeth. They are hard to kill, for I have known their
Sculls mashed and broken in pieces, so that they seemed to be
quite
126 The Natural History
quite dead, yet in a few Hours they will recover and creep
about again; and it is a common saying in Carolina, that if
a Cat has nine Lives, a Possum has nineteen. Their Feet
are very white, soft, smooth, and without Hair, and have five
Toes upon each Foot, but the hinder Feet more resemble a
Man’s Hand, with a Thumb and four Fingers, than the fore-
Feet do. Their Flesh is generally fat, white, and well tasted,
several Persons eat of them, especially the Indians and Ne-
groes, who prefer them before Pork, but their ugly Tails are
enough to put one out of Conceit with them. They climb
Trees as the acoons do, and feed on Flesh, Poultry, Roots,
and most kinds of Fruits. Their Furr is not esteemed, and
therefore made very little use of, only that the Indians spin
it into Girdles and Garters. The Fat of this Beast is much
of the same Nature of that of Hogs. The Testicles given
with Honey stir up Lust and cause Conception.
That Animal which the People of Carolina call a Hare, is
nothing but a Hedge-Coney, for I never met with or heard
of any of the Species of the Huropean Hares being in this
Province. The Hedge-Conies never Burrow in the Ground,
but continually frequent the Woods and Thickets, and if you
start one of them and pursue it, it generally runs up as far
as it can into a hollow Tree, in which case the Hunters make
a Fire and smoke the Tree, which brings it down, and most
commonly smothers it; though I have frequently seen them
pursued and taken by Dogs, yet I never observed any taken
after that manner, but their Bladders were ready to burst,
which the People in that Country would perswade me was a
Distemper amongst them, whereof they frequently die. They
hide their Young in some secret place from the discovery of
the Bucks, as the Huropean Rabbets do, and are of the same
Size
of North Carolina. 127
Size and Colour. At certain Seasons of the Year, great Bots
or Maggots breed betwixt the Skin and the Flesh, which turns
into most beautiful Butterflies, like those in the Deer. They
eat much after the same manner as those in Hurope do, but
I never observed any of them so fat. The Planters fre-
quently fire the Marshes and Thickets, by which means they
kill abundance of them. The Flesh of these nourishes more
than that of the Hare.
Those of the Huropean Species of Coneys or Rabbeis are
very scarce in this Province, and are to be met with but in
few places, so that it is thought that they are not natives of
this Country, but that they have been brought from Hurope,
to these parts. They Burrow in the Ground (but in two
places that I know of) like those with us. These as well as
the former breed Maggots in their Testicles and other parts
of the Body, which become most beautiful Butter-/hes ; they
eat after the same manner as those with us, and their Furr
is for the same uses, and the parts of this Animal have the
same virtues in Physick with the former.
The Squirrels whereof there are four sorts in this Prov-
ince, viz. The Foax-Squirrel, the Gray-Squirrel, the Flying:
Squirrel, and the Ground-Squirrel.
The Fox-Squirrel, so call’d, from its being the largest, and
smelling like a Fox. It is most commonly larger than a
Rabbet and of a gray colour, yet I have seen several Pyed
ones, and some white, red and Black. ‘Their chiefest haunts
are in Piney Lands where the Almond-pine grows. They
feed on pine Nuts and all other sorts of Nuts, and Fruits, of
which they lay up a sufficient store in hollow Trees for the
Winter, during which Season they never appear abroad.
They may be made tame, and are very plenty, and good Meat
in this Province, but very distructive and pernicious in Corn
Fields
128 The Natural History
Fields. The flesh is sweet and good hke that of Goats or
Rabbets.
The small Gray-Squirrel is much of the same nature and
bigness with those in England, there being only some small
difference in the colour. They feed like the former on Corn
and Nuts, &c. and like the Bear, are never found with Young,
neither are they to be met with in Winter, but lie in the
hollow Trees during that Season: Their Flesh eats rather
better than the former. The Fat of these Sqwirrels is Hmol-
lient, and good against Pains in the Ears, and the Teeth, are
said to be used by Magicians in foretelling things to come.
The Flying-Squirrel is of a light dun Colour, or Gray, like
the former, but much smaller than any of the other two. It
has no Wings (like a Bird or Bat) only a fine thin Skin coy-
ered with Hair, as the rest of the Parts are. ‘This is from
the Fore-feet to the Hinder-feet, which they puff full of
Wind at pleasure; and this buoys them up, that they will fly
with incredible swiftness, and at greater Distances than any
other kinds of Squirrels do, by their jumping or springing.
They lay in a sufficient Store of Provisions for the Winter,
which are generally Nuts, Corn, and several sorts of Fruits.
They are a tender Creature, lie very warm in their Nests
(which are made of fine Down) not appearing all the Winter,
being unable to bear the Cold and severity of the Weather,
and generally half a dozen or more lie together in one Nest,
which is always in a hollow Tree, and have their Stores of
Provisions near them, whereon they feed during the cold
Weather. They are easily made tame, but Enemies to Corn-
fields (as all the other Squirrels are) and only eat the germi-
nating Eye or Bud of the Grain, which is very sweet. The
Flesh of this Squirrel is as good as any of the former.
The
of North Carolina. 129
The Ground Squirrel, so called, because they seldom de-
light in running up Trees, or leaping from Branch to Branch,
as the other Squirrels do. They are the smallest of all Squir-
rels, being not much bigger than a large Mouse, and their
Tails are not so long or bushy as the former, but more flattish.
They are of a reddish colour, and finely striped down each
side with black Rows like the young Fawns, which make
them very beautiful; they may be kept tame in a little Box
with Cotton in it, because these as well as the Flying-Squir-
rels never stir or appear abroad in the Winter, being a very
tender Animal, and not able to bear the Cold. These have
much the same Virtues and Uses with the other sorts of
Squirrels.
The Weesel is likewise to be met with here, but not so com-
mon as in some parts of Hurope; I see no manner of differ-
ence between them in shape, colour, or bigness. It is very
strange what some Writers have said of the Generation and
Conception of this Animal, who confidently assure us, that
they Ingender at the Ear, and bring forth their Young at the
Mouth. Pliny reporteth, that when they encounter and fight
with Rats, they use Rue as a preservative against their Bite.
The Parts of this Animal are good in Fevers, Gouts, and
Pains of the Joints, Head-aches, Falling-sickness, Epilepsies,
and many other Disorders.
There are four sorts of Rats in this Province, viz. the
Musk, the Marsh, the Water, and the House-Rat.
The Musk-Rat is partly of the colour of a Rabbet, and is
in all things shaped like our Water-Rat, only something
larger, and has Hair or Down upon it’s Tail, longer than the
former. It frequents the Marshes near the Fresh-Water
Streams (as the Beavers do) and no where else, and builds
in the Marshes, having three lodging Rooms, one higher than
the other, very neat and finely daubed within, where it lies
9 i. dry
130 The Natural History
dry and secure from the violence of the Weather. It has a
Cod of Musk that is very valuable, so is it’s fine Furr. It is
the Opinion of many in these parts, that this Animal lives
mostly on Fish.
The Marsh-Rat, so called from its frequenting the Marshes ;
it differs from the former, being less and of a darker colour,
but is more Hairy and larger than the common House-fat.
It is a very destructive and mischievous Animal, especially
to Corn, and all manner of Fruits; of what use it may be in
Physick, is uncertain.
The Water-Rat is found here the same as in Hngland, and
other parts of Hurope, the Water-Snakes frequently devour
these Rats, for I have killed several of these Snakes and
found these Rats in their Bellies; they feed upon little small
Fish and Water-Insects that they meet with in Rivers and
Ponds of fresh Waters.
The House-Rats are the same here as in Hurope, and in
great plenty all over this Province, and as mischievous in
these parts, as in any part of the World, destroying Corn,
Fruit, and many other things. The Tail of this Animal is
Poysonous, and frequently kills Cats that eat it: The Urin
falling upon the bare Skin, causeth the Flesh to rot even to
the Bones, if there be not good care taken to prevent it, by a
speedy Cure, yet the Fat is of excellent use against the
Palsie.
The Moles in this Province are of the same sort as those
to be met with in Hngland and other Places, but are not
plenty here, being destroyed by Snakes, and several other
kinds of Vermine, which this Country produces in great
abundance. Many are the Virtues ascribed to this little
Animal, such as curing the King’s-Evil, Gout, Leprosie, and
Fistulas, the Ashes being outwardly applied, and inwardly
drank in Wine for several days. The fresh Blood put on
bald
of North Carolina. 13%
bald places causeth the Hair to grow, and the Liver being
applied, is said to waste away Wens, and the Powder of the
Heart to cure Ruptures. They are most effectual in May.
The Mice, whereof there are four sorts, viz. The House-
mice, the Shrew-mice, the Dor-mice, and the Bat, or Rear-
mouse.
The House-mice are the same here as those with us, and
these and all other kinds of Mice are scarce here (except the
Rear-mouse) which may reasonably be supposed from the
great quantity of Vermine that continually destroy them, such
as Hawks, Owls, Rattle-Snakes, Black-Snakes, and the like.
It is a short-liv’d letcherous Creature, and breeds often in
the Year. The Flesh being applied, helps the biting of Ser-
pents; the Fat is good against the Scirrhus and Baldness.
The whole Mouse being calcined, helps Tetters, Ringworms,
Piles, Epilepsies, and many other Disorders; the Gall with
Vinegar, dropt into the Ears, bring out living Creatures got
in; the Urine corrodeth after the same manner as the fat.
The Shrew-mouse, or Poysonous-mouse, so called, from
poysoning Cats after they have eat of them; it is very lke
the former, but is a Field-mouse, for it never resorts or comes
near the dwelling Houses. It is said, if it go over the Back
of any Beast he shall become lame in the Chine, and if it
bite, he swelleth to the Heart and dieth. This Animal being
burnt to Ashes, and applied with Goose-grease, helps all
Swellings in the Fundament, Felons and Tumors behind the
Ears. Their biting is cured by the application of their own
Flesh bruised, as also, oxymel Cupping Glasses, Scarifica-
tion, Wormwood, Vinegar, Garlick, Cummin Seed, Ver-
vain, &c.
The Dor-mouse is of the same kind here as in Hurope ;
these Animals are but scarce in this Province, and it is said,
R: they
ie The Natural History
they will sleep a Month or two in Winter, and can hardly be
revived ’till just the time of their going abroad. The Body
being roasted with Oil and Salt, and eaten, helps wonder-
fully Ulcers in the Lungs; the Fat dropt into the Ear, helps
Deafness. The Body burnt to Ashes, mixt with Honey, and
eaten every Morning, clears the Eye-sight; and with Oil,
helps burnings.
The Bat, or Rear-mouse, whereof there are two sorts, viz.
one a large sort with long Ears, and particularly long strag-
ling Hairs. The other is of the same kind here as with us in
Europe, only something larger, and is plentiful all over this
Province, yet it never appears all the Winter. The Bat alone,
of all Creatures that fly, brings forth its young alive, and
suckleth them with Paps, and giveth Milk; it likewise will
convey or carry them from one place to another as it flies.
I have put this Animal amongst the Beasts, tho’ it partakes
of both Natures, of the Bird and Mouse kinds. The Flesh
is abominable Food, yet some eat it, and it is frequently
Roasted, and given to Children that eat Dirt (which is very
common amongst the Christians and Negroes in this Proy-
ince) and is held as an infallible Medicine for that purpose.
The Blood causes the Hair to fall off, the Gall helps the biting
of the Shrew-mouse, and dimness of Sight.
Having thus given an Account of the Terrestrial, or Land-
Animals, which are to be met with in Carolina, and are
already known to us; I shall in the next place proceed to
describe the Reptiles and Insects. Not that I pretend to give —
an ample Account of all the different Species, (which would
require a larger Volume than is here designed) they being
very numerous; my Purpose is to discribe such only as I can
perfectly remember, and whose Qualities are best known;
there being too great a diversity of various kinds, many
whereof are not yet thoroughly discovered, and others have
slipt
of North Carolina. 133
slipt my Memory; besides what the Mountainous parts of
this Land may hereafter lay open to our View; for whoever
consider what a small part of this large Province is inhab-
ited at present, can’t imagine but there will still be greater
Discoveries made, by Time and Industry, when the back
parts of this Country, and near the Mountains are once set-
tled; for the farther we Travel Westward, we meet greater
Differences in the Soil, Air, Weather, growth of Vegetables,
and several Animals, which we at present are intire Strangers
to; only what little Account we have from the Indians, so
_ that no doubt every Age will make new Discoveries.
The Alligators are Amphibious Creatures, living both upon
Land and Water, and by the best Description I can learn con-
cerning the Crocodile, I see little or no difference between
them, only in the Name; this being the receiv’d Opinion of
the Naturalists, that it is no other than a Crocodile not ar-
riv’d to it’s full growth. They are a large Creature with
four Feet, which are like a Bears, except that they are covered
with Scales, instead of Hair, the Claws are sharp and the
Tail long, with Fins upon it. They have a large broad Head
and wide Mouth, the Snout is like a Swines, and the Teeth,
which are exceeding sharp, meet within each other like the
Edges of two Saws. The Tails of these Animals are near as
long as the whole Body, and the same is very rough and
armed with a hard Skin. Their haunts are chiefly between
the Freshes and Salt Waters. They make their Dwellings in
the Banks on the River-sides, a great way under Ground, the
entrance whereof is generally two or three Foot under Water,
which rises gradually as they burrow under Ground, ’till it
rises considerably above the surface of the Water, where they
lie dry all the Winter, at which Season they never appear
abroad, but as it is supposed, sleep all that time without any
manner
134 The Natural History
manner of Provision, which some report to be the space of
threescore Days. In Spring they come forth from their
Holes or Caves, and continually swim up and down the Riv-
ers and Creeks in the Day time, but at Night they are to be
met with in the Woods and Marshy low Grounds. They
always breed near the fresh Water streams, or clear Foun-
tains, yet seek their Prey in brackish and Salt-waters, not
near the open Shoar, but in the Rivers and Creeks. They
are never known to devour Men in Carolina, but on the con-
trary, always strive to avoid them, as much as possibly they
ean. Yet they frequently kill Swine and Dogs, the former
as they come to feed in the Marshes and at the sides of the
Rivers and Creeks, and the latter as they are swiming over
them.
The Alligator lays Eggs as Ducks do, only they are longer
shap’d, and have a larger and thicker Shell than they have;
but how long they are in Hatching their Eggs I never could
be satisfied, or rightly informed, for the Indians with whom
I conversed, say, it is most part of the Summer, and only by
the heat of the Sun; but some of the Christians assured me,
this was performed in sixty Days, or thereabouts: Their
young ones are shaped exactly like a Lizard, Asker, or Eft,
and they have short flat and large Tongues. I saw one of
the young ones taken and brought to a Planters House who
had a Pond of Water before his Door (out of which he dug
Clay for Building) wherein he put the young Alligator, it
remained there for half a Year, feeding on Guts of Fow] and
other Flesh-meat and Frogs that happend to come into the
Pond. It grew so very domestick, that it would frequently
come into the Dwelling House, and return again to the Pond:
But at length it stole away to the Creek before the Planters
Dwelling House, as was supposed, for it never could be seen
or heard of afterwards. But to return to their Breeding
their
yO
o TOO! 7
of North Carolina. 135
their young ones. The old ones throw up Banks of Mold in
the wet Swamps, in form of a Sugar-Loaf, near the sides of
the fresh Water-Rivers and Creeks, whereon they lay twenty
or thirty Eggs, if not more, in the Season, where they remain
till such time as they are Hatched, and then they tumble into
the Waters, and fend for themselves in the like manner as the
young frogs do: Iam perswaded they are one of the largest
Creatures in the World to be produced out of so small a Be-
ginning as an Egg not so large as a Goose’s, for they some-
times exceed eighteen Foot in length, they have Sixty Teeth,
Sixty turning Joints, and are said to live no longer than
Sixty Years. They are very crafty and subtile in taking
their Prey in Waters, whereon they float as if dead, or like
a log of Wood, ’till they come within reach of their Prey,
which they will most nimbly seize by leaping upon them, and
then dive under Water with it, which they quickly devour.
They are likewise very destructive and mischievous to Wairs
made for catching Fish, into which they come to prey on the
Fish caught in them, from whence they cannot readily dis-
charge themselves, so break the Wairs in pieces, being a Crea-
ture very large, and of great Strength. It is almost impos-
sible to kill them with a Gun, except you chance to hit them
in or about the Eyes, or under the Belly, that part being softer
than any part of the Body; the rest of the Skin being so hard,
that it will resist a Bullet like Armour. They are very easily
avoided upon Land, being a very slow Creature, by reason of
the shortness of their Legs, and they cannot readily turn
themselves, for their Bodies are so stiff and hard, that they
are obliged to go streight forward, so that they may be avoided
by the least turning out of their way, but they are very nimble
and active in leaping either upon Land or Water. Some of
these Creatures afford a great deal of Musk, and when their
Tails
136 The Natural History
Tails are cut off, they look very fair and white, seemingly
like the best of Vail, and some People eat thereof, and say
it is most delicious Meat, when they are not Musky. Their
Teeth are as white as Ivory, whereof I have seen Chargers
for Guns of several sizes, Snuff-Boxes, and many other Toys
made. ‘The upper Jaw of this Monster is movable, and not
the under, and it is doubtful whether they have any Passage
for their Excrements, except the Mouth. After the Tail is
cut off from the Body of this Creature, it will freely move for
four or five Days, as if it had been alive, and still joined with
the other parts. I saw two of them killed during my stay
in that Country, in the Bellies whereof (after they were
opened) were found several sorts of Snakes, knots of Light-
wood, and particularly one of them with a large solid Stone,
that weighed about four Pound weight.
These Monsters roar and make a most hideous Noise
against bad Weather, and before they come out of their Dens
in the Spring. I was very much frighted by one of them
in a Oreek near Bath-Town, where these Animals are very
plenty, which happened after this Manner: As I was walk-.
ing near the Creek side one Evening, not long after my
arrival in those parts, on a sudden this Monster began to roar
after such a dreadful manner, that the very Earth seemed to
tremble where I stood. I am not able to express the con-
sternation I was in; for I am satisfied it gave me the greatest
dread and surprize I was ever in, never having heard so terri-
fying a Noise before; it continued thus roaring for eight or
ten times, like a Bittern, but if possible, a hundred times
louder, which at first I imagined to be some diabolical Spirit
breaking through the Bowels of the Earth, for in the fright
T was in, I could think or imagine nothing else. I made all
the
of North. Carolina. 137
the haste I could to a Planters House, where I had lain the
Night before, who soon undeceived me, and told me what it
was, and that in a few Days I should see the Creature that
made that hellish Noise in the Creek before his Door, which
happened in a Day or two after. Their Flesh if not Musky,
is accounted good Meat, and helps those that are afflicted
with the Gout and Rhumatick Pains. The Blood clears the
Eyes, and the Fat is prevalent against all manner of Pains,
Aches, Ulcers, and Cancers, by Unction. The Gall is of
excellent use in taking away the Cataract and Web, growing
in the Eyes; the Teeth of the right Jaw bound about the
Arm, are said to provoke Venery. The Skin calcined, and
mixed with Lees of Oil, is said to stupefie the Parts so much,
that they cannot feel, though cut. I have ranked the Alli-
gator and the Tortoise among the Insects, because they lay
Eggs.
The Tortoise, vulgarly called the Turtle, whereof there are
three sorts. The first is the Green Tortoise, which is not
common, but is sometime found on these Coasts; it lives both
on Land and Water, and has a large strong Shell on it’s
Back, which defends it from it’s Enemies. The Lean of
this Tortoise looks and tastes like. Veal, without any fishy
savour, and the Fat is as green as Grass, yet very sweet;
some are so large, that they weigh four hundred Weight.
The second is the Hawks-Bill, which is common here, the
Flesh of these two sorts are incomparably good Food, being
inferior to none, and is useful in several Disorders, such as
the Gout, Hecticks, Epilepsy, sore Hyes, and is said to be
an Antidote against Poyson.
The third is called the Logger-Head, which scarce any one
covets to eat, except it be the Negroes and Indians, yet the
Eggs of this and all the other sorts (which are covered with
S a
138 The Natural History
a Skin and not a Shell) are extraordinary good Food and
nourish very much, yet none of these sorts of Creatures Eggs
will admit in boiling the White to be harder than a Jelly,
notwithstanding the Yolk with boiling becomes as hard as
any other Ege. They make Holes in the dry Sandy-Land,
and on the River sides, where they lay above an hundred
Eggs in the Season as large as Pullet’s, afterwards they cover
them carefully with Mould, which they beat hard and smooth
with their Breasts, where they remain till they are Hatched,
and they lay Eggs two or three times a Year, which causeth
a prodigious Increase. The common way of taking these
Turtles is, to turn them on their Backs, in which Posture
they cannot dive under the Water, so that those that Fish
for them tye a Rope about them, and hawl them into their
Boats, or tow them to Land, and it is reported, that they will
shed Tears when they are taken; and though they have large
Lungs within their Seales, yet according to Pliny, they are
without Blood. They are commonly found floating upon the
Water, and sometimes fast asleep, at which time they will
snort very loud. They have neither Tongue nor Teeth, but
a very sharp Bill, which serves them instead of Teeth; they
feed on Cockles, Muscles, and other Sea-shel Fish, for their
Bills are so hard and strong that they will readily break
those Fishes and eat them.
The Terebins, whereof there are divers sorts, which I
shall comprehend under the distinction of Land and Water
Terebmns.
The Land Terebins are of several Sizes, but generally
round mouthed, and not Hawks-bill, as some of the other
sorts are, they are exactly in shape like the Turtles, and
move very slowly, and if any thing touches them, they
readily draw their Head and Feet within their Shells; (being
speckled
of North Carolina. 139
speckled with reddish spots, which are hard and strong) that
scarce any thing can hurt them. The Indians eat them, and
most of them are good Food, except the very large ones, and
those that are Musky. These, as well as the T'ortovses, make
Holes in the Sand-Banks above High-water-mark, where they
lay vast quantities of Eggs in the Season, which are hatched
by the heat of the Sun, and the young Ones, as soon as they
are out of the Shell, crawl back to the Water, where they
seek their Living. They are mortal Enemys to the Rattle-
Snakes, killing them wherever they meet, which they do by
catching the Snake a little below the Neck, and so draw his
Head into their Shell, which makes the Snake beat his Tail,
and twist about with all the strength and violence imaginable
to get away, but the Terebin soon dispatches him, by press-
ing him to Death between his Shells, and there leaves him.
In Europe they are called the Land-tortois, and are plenty up
and down the Woods of Carolina; they feed on Snails, Tad-
pools, or young Frogs, Grass, Mushrooms, and Dew and slime
of the Earth and Ponds. Their Eggs are very nourishing,
and exceeding good Food. They never appear in Winter,
but lie all that Season in Holes in the Earth, without any
manner of apparent Provision.
The Water-Terebins have a Shell on their Backs and an-
other underneath, like the former; they are but small, con-
taining about as much Meat as a Pullet, and are extraordinary
good Food in May and June, at which time they make Holes
in the Earth, where they lay vast quantities of Eggs, which
are hatched by the heat of the Sun and Sands, as the former
are. They come out about the bigness of a small Chesnut,
and seek their own living: It is incredible what quantities
of Eggs, these as well as the others will lay in the Season,
but they have so many Enemies that find them out (espe-
S: cially
140 The Natural History
cially Hogs, Racoons, and Crows, &c.) that the hundredth
part never come to perfection. For during the time they
are laying, you will see the Hogs and Racoons hunting all
along the Water sides till they find their Eggs, which they
root out of the Earth, and so devour them; this is the reason
they are not so plenty in this Province as formerly they were,
though they are still numerous enough. I have frequently
eat of them, which are as delicious a Morsel as ever I tasted,
if well dress’d. Their Virtues and Uses are much the same
with the Tortoise.
The Frogs, whereof there are several sorts, but none so
remarkable as the Bull-Frogs, so called, from their bellowing
like a Bull, which makes Strangers wonder (when by the
side of a Marsh) what’s the matter, for they hear the Frogs
bellow, and can see no Cattle: They are the largest that are
known in America, being generally as big as a Rabbet, I have
known no Use made of them in Physick.
The Green Frog, so called from it’s Colour, it is one of
the smallest sort I ever met with; these climb up Trees, and
sing or make a noise much like the Grass-hopper, but much
louder. The F'rench eat the hinder Quarters of them.
The common Land-Frog is like a Toad, only it leaps and
is not poysonous. These Frogs are great devourers of Ants,
and the Snakes devour them. These Animals baked and
beat to Powder, are taken with Orrice-Root, to eure the
Tympany, and many other Disorders.
There are several other coloured small Frogs in these
parts; and what is worthy of Observation is, that they in
general have such variety of Notes from the Spring to the
Fall, that it is very strange to hear them, representing as it
were all the Crys, Calls, and Notes of Beasts and Birds in
these Parts.
The
of North Carolina. 141
The Scorpion-Lizard, but why so called I know not, for it
is not like a Scorpion in any respect: It is of the Lizard
kind, but much bigger than any I ever saw in Hurope. Its
Back if of a dark Copper-colour, and the Belly of an Orange.
It is very nimble in running up Trees, or upon Land, and
is accounted very Poysonous. This Animal hath the most
Sets of Teeth in the Mouth and Throat of any I have seen,
but what they prey or feed upon, I am an intire stranger to,
and likewise their Use in Physick.
The Green-Lizards, in this Province are as large as those
to be met with in Hurope, and are very harmless and beauti-
ful, they frequently resort to the Walls of the dwelling Houses
(especially in the Summer season, for in Winter they are
not to be seen) and stand gazing on the Inhabitants, without
any dread or fear, being very tame: They are of a most
beautiful Green colour and have a little Bladder under their
Throat, which they fill with Wind, and evacuate at pleasure.
There are several other sorts of Lizards of various and
changable Colours, but none so beautiful as the Green ones.
These Lizards are mortal Enemies to the Spiders and Toads,
yet their Flesh eaten is hurtful, causing Inflammations,
Tumours, and Blindness; the Head being outwardly applied
with Salt, draws out Darts, Thorns, and things sticking in
the Flesh, it likewise wasteth Wens, and other hard Swellings.
The Gall causeth the Hair to fall off, and their Eggs kill
speedily, except a sudden Remedy be exhibited made of Fal-
con’s Dung and Wine. If they bite, they leave their Teeth
behind them, which ecauseth continual Pain, until they are
taken out. The Gray-Lizards are very common, and the
Snakes feed upon them; for I have taken several of them
out of the Bellies of the Snakes.
In
142 The Natural History
In the Month of June, 1730, as I was travelling in the
Woods together with other Company, we found an Insect
sunning itself at the Root of a large Pine Tree, about the
thickness of a Man’s Finger, and three Inches long, it was
beautifully striped with Cireles of Black and White. The
Mouth was partly like the Mouth of a Frog, but not so large,
it had four short Feet, but no Tail; it was very soft, but the
Skin exceeding tough, and it moved very slowly. Not one
of the Company could give me an Account what it was, nei-
ther could I ever learn from any I conversed with, or shewed
it to, having preserved it a considerable time in Spirits; but
I take it to be a Species of the Lizards, and have therefore
ranked it amongst them, not knowing by what other Name —
to distinguish it.
Having thus given an Account of the Frogs and Lizards,
I shall in the next place proceed to give an Account of the
SNAKES that this Country produces, beginning with the
most poysonous, and concluding with those that have none.
“And first,
The Rattle-Snake, so called from the Rattles at the End
of their Tails, which is a connexion of Joints (and seem as
if decayed) with a thin covering of an excrementitious Mat-
ter, between the substance of a Nail and a Horn; Nature
undoubtedly designing these on purpose to give Warning
of such an approaching Danger, as the venemous Bite of these
Snakes are. Some of them grow very large, as six oy seven
foot in length, and about the thickness of the small of a Man’s
Legg. They give Notice to such as approach their Danger,
by rattling their Tails, which may be heard at a great Dis-
tance; they are sharp sighted, and quickly discover any thing
approaching
of North Carolina. 143
approaching them a great way off. Their Skins are all over
full of thin tender Seales, with a Ridge through the middle
of them, of an Orange-tawny, and blackish colour, beauti-
fully mottled on their Backs, and their Bellys an Ash colour,
inclining to Lead. The Male is easily distinguished from
the Female, by a Spot on his Head of a black Velvet colour,
and his Head is smaller shaped and longer. Their Bite is
very venemous if not speedily remedied, and especially if it
happens in a Vein, Nerve, Tendon, or Sinew, where it is
difficult to be cured. The Wound grows black, or of a livid
colour, causing a swelling in the Parts; dimness of the Eyes,
paleness of the Face, Swooning, and Death, if a Cure be not
applied in time. They are a majestick sort of Creature,
and will seldom or never bite (except they are provoked)
which they cannot do until they gather themselves into a
Quoil or Circle, and then will spring at a good distance to ©
bite whatever provokes or injures them, otherwise they are
most peaceable Creatures, and never attack or molest any one.
The Indians pretend to charm them, so that they can take
them up in their Hands, without any danger of being bit;
but how far they may be expert in this kind of Practice, is
still a Secret among them, but this I am certain of, that they
are famous in curing the Bite of these and most other sorts
of venemous Creatures in these parts. They have of late
communicated the Method how to cure the Bite of the Rattle-
Snake to the Christians, which almost every Planter is very
well acquainted with. This Cure is perfected by chewing in
the Month the Root of an Herb that beareth Tuffts or But-
tons at the top like Scabions, but not of that Colour; this
Root is #s hot in the Mouth as Ginger, and about the same
thickness, it is called the Rattle-Snake-Root, from its curing
the
Ds
144 The Natural History
the venomous Bite of that Snake; there are three sorts of it
to be found almost every where, this (as I said before) they
chew in their Mouths, swallow some part of the Juice, and
apply the rest to the Wound, which perfectly cures those
that are bit in a few moments. It is surprizing to observe
how these Snakes will allure and charm Squirrels, Hedge-
Conneys, Partridges, and many other small Beasts and Birds
to them, which they quickly devour. The Sympathy is so
strong between these, that you shall see the Squirrel or Par-
tridge (after they have espied this Snake) leap or fly from
Bough to Bough, until at last they run or leap directly into
it’s Mouth, not having power to avoid their Enemy, who never
stirs out of the Posture or Quoil until he obtains his Prey.
It is reported, they have a Rattle for every Year they are
old, which does not begin to grow until they are three Years
old, which I am apt to believe, for the young ones have
none, and I have seen and killed several of these Snakes, with
thirteen, and fifteen, and one with thirty Rattles. They
have several small Teeth, of which I cannot see they make
any Use, for they swallow every thing whole, but the Teeth
which poyson, are only four, two on each side of their upper
Jaws; these are bent like a Sickle and hang loose, as if by
a Joint. Towards the setting on of these, there is in each
Tooth a little Hole wherein you may just get in the point of
a small Needle; here it is that the Poyson comes out (which
is as green as Grass) and follows the Wound made by the
point of the Teeth. Their Bite is not always of the same
force, but more or less venemous according to the Season of
the Year, for the hotter the Weather, the more poysonous they
are, especially in June, July, and August. In Winter they
never appear, but lie hid in some secret Places in the Earth,
as all the other Snakes do, not being able to endure the cold
Weather ;
of North Carolina. 145
Weather; for you shall see several sorts of them lying dead,
at the approach of the Winter, not being able to reach or
crawl into their Holes. Neither can we suppose that they
can renew their Poison as soon, or as often as they please,
for we have known Instances to the contrary of two that
were bit in the Leg by one Rattle-Snake, as they were trav-
elling in the Woods. The first was very painful some Days,
not having an opportunity to get the Rattle-‘Snake Root, in
some Hours after he was bit. The other received no more
harm by that Bite than if he had been bit by a Mouse, or any
other Creature not venemous; so that we may reasonably
conjecture from this Observation, that their Poyson is not
always of the same efficacy. I enquired of the first Person,
what he felt when the Snake first bit him; he said, it seemed
as if a flash of Fire had run through his Body. The Indians
frequently pull out their Teeth, so that they never after-
wards can do any Mischief by biting; this may be easily
done, by tying a bit of red Wollen Cloth to the upper end of
a long hollow Cane, and so provoking the Rattle-Snake to
bite, and suddenly pulling it away from him, by which means
the Teeth stick fast in the Cloath, which are plainly to be
seen by those present. They have two Nostrils on each side
of their Nose, which is not common in many of the other
sorts of Snakes. They are so venemous that they frequently
bite and poyson themselves: For, oftentimes when we have
found out where they are (which is easily known by their
continual Rattling with their Tails, which they shake and
shiver with wonderful nimbleness when they are any way
disturbed) we cut down long Poles or Reeds and make the
tops thereof sharp, wherewith we tickle their sides, and pro-
voke them, that at length they become so enraged, they bite
themselves, and dye in a short time.
10 Ae
—
146 The Natural History
I hope it will not be unpleasing to the Reader to insert
the following Account in relation to a Ratile-Snake and a
Dog, as it happened during my residence there, viz. A
Planter having taken a Rattle-snake in a Noose, put it into a
Barrel, and brought it to Hdentown, and told the Inhabitants,
that if they would make him drink, he would shew them
some Diversion; that he had a living Rattle-snake, and a Dog
that would fight it, who had killed several in his time; the
proposal was readily consented to by all that were present.
The Planter immediately turned out the Snake (which was
very large) whilst another held the Dog, as we generally do
our Bull-Dogs. A large Ring was instantly made and every
one cry’d out for fair Play, viz. That the Snake should
have time to gather itself into a Quoil, or posture of Defence,
which it very quickly did, and immediately began to Rattle
it’s Tail: Every thing being ready, the Dog was let loose,
and attacked the Snake; his usual way of killing them, was,
to shake them at full length out of their Quoil, in which Post-
ure they can neither leap nor bite; but this Snake being so
large, the Dog had not strength enough to do it. In the first
encounter he only bit it, which the Snake as readily returned,
biting the Dog by the Ear, which made him ery and quit his
hold, and seemed to be stun’d, or like one in a Megrim. But
the Company encouraged the Dog, and set him on again: In
the second encounter it bit the Dog by the Lip, and imme-
diately after bit itself, the Dog in a little time began to cry
and reel about as if drunk or in a Megrim, grew regardless of
his Master’s calling him, and in half an Hour dyed, and the
Snake in about a Quarter. I had not related this, had I
not been an Eye-witness to the whole proceeding. The Poy-
son both of Viper and Mad-dog (I conceive) kill, by thick-
ning
of North Carolina. 147
ning of the Blood after the manner that Runnet congeals
Milk when they make Cheese.
These Snakes cast their Skins every Year, and commonly
remain near the Place where the old Skin lies, these cast
Skins are frequently pulverised, and given with good success
in Fevers, so is the Gall mixed with Clay, made up in Pills,
and given in pestilential Fevers and the Small Pox, for which
it is accounted a noble Remedy, and a great Arcanum, which
only some few pretend to know, and to have had the first
Knowledge and Experience of for many Years; so are the
Rattles good to expediate the Birth, and no doubt but it has
all those excellent Virtues that the Viper is indued with.
The Ground Rattle-snake, but why so improperly called,
I know no Reason for, because it has no Rattles, and only
resembles the Rattle-snake a little in colour, but is darker,
and not so large, seldom exceeding a Foot or sixteen Inches
in length, and is reckoned one of the most poysonous and
worst of Snakes, and is said to be the latest Snake we have
that returns to it’s Hole in the fall of the Leaf. It’s Uses
and Virtues are unknown to any in these Parts, except the
Indians.
The Horn-snakes, so called, from a Horn growing in their
Tail like a Cock’s Spur, with which they strike and kill
whatever they wound with it, except a speedy Remedy be
applied. They are like the Rattle-snake in colour, but a
little lighter. They hiss exactly like a Goose when any thing
approaches them. This Horn in their Tail is all the Weapon
they have with which they strike and destroy their Enemy,
for they never bite as the Rattle-snake and other Snakes do.
They give warning to such as approach their Danger by Hiss-
ing. They are a very venemous Snake, hardly admitting
of a cure from the Indians; yet the most effectual Method
T: to
148 The Natural History
to perfect this Cure is by the Rattle-snake Root, cupping
Glasses and Scarification, or cutting off the Flesh to the
Bone, and lastly by Amputation of the Parts. These Snakes
are near as long as the Rattle-snake, but are not plenty in
this Province, and I have been credibly informed by several
of the Planters, that they have seen them strike their Horns
into Trees, and particularly into the Pine and Locust, which
in a few Hours decayed and died, though before that it was
in it’s full Bloom. But be that as it will, I am certain of
this, that it is a dangerous Snake, and it’s Wounds very
difficult and tedious to be cured.
The Water-snakes, whereof there are four sorts. The
first is of the Horn-snake Colour, but not so large, and is as
poysonous as any of the other sorts. The second is a long
Snake, and differs from the other in colour, being more dark.
These Snakes will frequently swim over large Rivers, and
often hang upon the Boughs of Birch, and several other Trees
by the Water side, and sometimes drop into the Cannoes as
they are passing by, they are also very poysonous. The third
is of an English Adder colour, but always frequents the Salts,
and lies generally under the drift Sea-weed, where they are
in abundance, and are accounted very mischievous when they
bite. The fourth is of a sooty black Colour, and frequents
Ponds and Ditches, and is as Poysonous as any of the former.
When these Snakes bite (if a Remedy be not speedily applied)
there ensueth great Pain, Inflammation, blackness in the
Wound, the Vertigo, and Death within three Days; for the
Poyson is so malignant, that it forthwith disperses through
the whole Body, which when it comes to the Heart, the
Creature immediately falls down dead. These and all the
other Snakes lay Eggs, except the Viper. The Cure for the
bite
of North Carolina. 149
bite of these, is much the same with that of the Horn-snake,
and their Virtues and Uses the same with the Viper.
The Swamp-snakes, whereof there are three sorts, and are
very like the Water-snakes, and may properly be ranked
amongst them. ‘The first is of a dirt Brown colour on his
Back, and the Belly is of a Carnation or Pink colour, and
is large, but not venemous. The second is large, and the
back is of the colour of the former, but the Belly is of a
tawny and light Copper colour, beautifully mottled; these
always abide in Swamps and Marshes, and are poysonous.
The third is mottled, with a dark brown Colour on the Back,
and the Belly of a livid and Orange colour. They are very
poysonous, and remain likewise in Swamps and Ponds, and
have prodigious wide Mouths, they are commonly as thick
as the Calf of a Man’s Leg, though they are not very long,
they feed on Water-rats, Mice, and several sorts of Insects.
The cure of these is much the same with the former, and
may indifferently be used after the same manner.
The Red-back Snakes (so called from their Red-backs)
are long slender Snakes, they are rare to be met with, and
are very poysonous; it is reported that the Indians themselves
cannot cure the venemous bite of them: I never knew any
one bit by them, and I saw but one during my abode in those
Parts.
The Vipers whereof there are two sorts. The first is of
a grayish colour like the Italian Viper, the other black and
short. Both these sorts are venemous, and spread their
Heads flat when they are provoked. They lie hid in the
Ground all the Winter Season, and are generally about a
Foot and a half, or two Feet in Length. Their Heads are
very broad compared with the Body, and the Neck much
narrower than the Head. Their Tails are small sharp, and
curled
150 The Natural History
curled at the end. The Teeth upon the upper Chop are very
long and crooked like a Sickle, and upon either side it hath
four; those upon the lower Chop, are so small that they can
scarce be observed by the naked Eye, neither can the length
of the Teeth be seen except you take away the little Bladder
in which they he concealed, in this Bladder it carries Poy-
son, which it infuseth into the Wounds it makes with its
Teeth. The Seales of a Viper are more sharp than a Snake’s;
it lies for the most part Quoiled up lke a Rattle-Snake.
In the Viper there is nothing venemous but the Head and
Gall, which are cast away as useless. It is a sharp sighted,
crafty, and venemous Creature, biting those. that suddenly
pass by it. The Viper is said to conceive Eggs within her,
which she does not lay after the manner of other Serpents;
but in her Body they are hatched into living Vipers. For as
Pliny reporteth, that of all Creatures that want Hair, the
Viper and the Dolphin only bring forth their Young with
Life. It is likewise reported, that after they have ingen-
dered, the Female destroys the Male, and feeds on him; and
that the Young Ones eat their way out of their Female’s
Belly, when she is ready to bring them forth, and feed on her
till they are able to fend for themselves. But how true this
may be, I will not take upon me to determine; but this I
am certain of, that I have killed several of them and after
having opened them, have found fifteen or more young ones
alive in the Female’s Belly. The bitting of the Viper is
mortal, and kills within three Days at farthest, if not speed-
ily cured; the Poyson is universal, as if the Body were set
on Fire with violent Convulsions, Weakness, cold Sweats,
Vomiting, and then Death. -At first the Poyson may be
sucked out by applying the Anus of a Hen to the part after
Scarification, or else a Plaster of Garlick, Onions, and Ven-
ice-T'reacle,
of North Carolina. 151
wce-Treacle, drinking French Wine, Garlick Broth, with
Mithridate, Bazoar-mineral, Myrrh, and the Rattle-snake
Root. The Virtues of the Vipers are so well known, that it
would be needless to trouble the Reader with them, only that
they are more valuable than any of the other Snakes.
The Red-belly-snakes, these frequent the Land, and are so
called, from their Red-bellies, which inclines to an Orange
colour: They are not very venemous, for I have known sey-
eral Persons bit by them, some whereof were not much hurt,
and others have suffered much by them. But I am per-
swaded that there are two different sorts of these Snakes, but
so like each other, that there has been no difference made be-
tween them at present; otherwise their bites would not pro-
duce such contrary effects, as they are known to do.
The Chicken-snake, or Egg-snake, so called, from it’s fre-
quenting about Hen-yards, and devouring Eggs and Chickens.
They are commonly of a dusky soot colour, though I have
seen some of them dark, yellow, and mottled. They are
about four Foot long, and the thickness of a Man’s Wrist,
they frequently climb up large Pine Trees, will rowl them-
selves round, and stick to the side of it, where there seems to
be no manner of hold, above twenty or thirty Feet high;
there sun themselves, and sleep in the heat of the Day. I can-
not find that they are venemous, but are mischievous about
Houses, and will imitate exactly the call and ery of Chickens,
and allure and decoy them, which they will quickly seize and
swallow.
The Brimstone-snake, so called, from it’s being almost of
that colour. They might as well have called it, the Glass, or
brittle-Snake, for it is as brittle as Glass, or a Tobacco-Pipe,
for give it the least touch with a small Twig it immediately
breaks,
152 The Natural Historo
breaks, or rather disjoynts into several pieces; and several in
these parts confidently affirm, that if they remain in the same
place untouch’d, they will joyn together again. What harm
there may be im this brittle-ware, I cannot tell, for I never
knew any Person hurt by them.
The Kung-snake is the longest of all other Snakes in these
parts, but are not common; the Indians make Girdles and —
Sashes of their Skins, and it is reported by them, that they _
are not very venemous, and that no other Snake will meddle
with them, which I suppose is the Reason that they are so
fond of wearing their Skins about their Bodies as they do.
The Corn-snake, so called, from it’s being met with in
Corn-fields, and scarce any where else. They are not vene-
mous, neither do they gather themselves into a Quoil like the —
Viper or Rattlesnake. They are near a Yard long, and of
a Brown colour, mixt with Tawny.
The Green-snakes are very small, and are so called, from
their beautiful green Colour (if any Beauty may be allowed
to Snakes) the Planters make themselves very familiar with
them, and will frequently put them in their Bosoms, without
any dread or fear, because there is no manner of harm im
them.
The Black-truncheon-snake might have very well been
numbered amongst the Water-snakes: they are so called, from
their shape, being the thickest and shortest kind of Snakes I
ever saw; they lie on the Banks, and at the Roots of Trees
by the Water sides, and when any thing disturbs them, they
dart themselves into the Salt-water like an Arrow out of a
Bow. What good or harm there is in them I know not, some
of these Water-snakes will swallow a black-land Snake, half
as long again as themselves, as I observed in one of them that _
I shot.
of North Carolina. 153
The long Black-snake is very common, and generally six
Feet in length, it frequents the Land altogether, and is the
nimblest Creature living, it has no manner of Venom in it’s
bite, but the part sometimes swells and turns to a running
Sore. These Snakes are the best Mousers that can be, for
wherever they frequent, they destroy Lizards, Frogs, Rats,
and Mice, leaving not one of those Vermine alive. They are
very mischievous about Dairies and amongst Eggs, skimming
the Cream of the former, and swallowing the latter. They
will sometimes swallow all the Eggs from under the Hen that
sits, and Quoil themselves under her in the Nest, where they
are often found by the House-wife: They kill the Rattle-
snake where-ever they find him, by twisting their Head about
his Neck, and so whip him to death with their Tails; and
notwithstanding the Agility of this Snake, yet it is so brittle,
that when it is pursued, and gets it’s Head into the hole of a
Tree or Wall, if any one gets hold of it at the other end, it
will twist it self in pieces. One of these Snakes, whose Neck
seems to be no thicker than a Woman’s little Finger, will swal-
low a Squirrel or Rat, which I have taken out of their Bellies ;
so much does that part stretch in all those Creatures. It like-
wise feeds on small Insects and Flies, taking them betwixt
the forks of its Tongue.
The Fel-snake, though improperly so called, because it is
nothing but a kind of Leech that sucks and cannot bite, as
other Snakes do, but is very large, being commonly eighteen
or ninteen Inches long, and has all the Properties that other
Leeches have, and lives in Ponds as they do. There is like-
wise a Leech in this Province, of the same bigness of those
with us in Hurope.
Having given as large an Account as is yet known of the
Snakes in these Parts; I will in- the next Place proceed to
U treat
154 The Natural History
treat of some of the smaller Reptiles or Insects that are most
remarkable, and to be met with in this Country; but to give a
large Description of all the different Species that this Coun-
try produces, would require too large a Volum, which is not
my intention at present. Besides the Indians give us many
strange and uncouth Names for various kinds of Beasts,
Birds, Fishes, Snakes, and Insects, that we are intire Stran-
gers to; for the greatest part of this spacious and large Coun-
try les waste at present, and undoubtedly there will be many
curious and considerable Discoveries made, when once this
Country is well settled and inhabited by the Christians, for
the Indians whilst they remain in their Idolatrous Practices,
never will be brought over to cultivate this rich and noble
Country, or even to make Discoveries of what they know of
it already. But to proceed to the Reptiles and Insects.
The Bees are in great Plenty, not only in Hives, in the
Planter’s Gardens, but are likewise to be met with in several
parts of the Woods in hollow Trees, wherein are frequently
found vast quantities of Honey, and Wax. The Uses and
Profits of these noble Insects, are so well known amongst us
in Hurope, that it would be needless to trouble the Reader
about them. Their Bee-hives are generally made of some
piece of hollow Tree, and especially the sweet Gum Tree,
which they cut at proper lengths for that purpose, with a
Board at the top for a Covering; these are all the sorts of Bee-
hives made use of in this Country, some whereof are larger
than our Barrel. The Humble-bees are of the same sort in
this Province as those with us in Ireland, and other parts of
Europe.
The
of North Carolina. 155
The Silk-worms: In several of our Journies in this Proy-
ince, we found great numbers of them, with quantities of
Silk as large as our ordinary Wall-nut. And no doubt these
profitable Insects might be brought to great Perfection in
Carolina, as in any part of Hurope, if the same Care were
taken there as is in France, Spain and many other Places,
since this Country doth naturally produce them. In process
of time, they leave off Spinning, and receive Wings like But-
terflies, and after three or four Days Copulation, the Male
presently dies, and the Female having lay’d many Eggs, dies
also. The whole Worms dried, powder’d and laid to the
Crown of the Head are good in Megrims, Virtigoes and Con-
vulsions, and the Ashes of the Silk cleanseth Wounds, ec.
The Butter-flies are produced from small Eggs as the Sik-
worms are, and are very plenty all over this Province, and of
several sorts: some large, and others small, and most beauti-
fully Mottled with variety of fine Colours. They generate in
May, June and July, and lay vast quantities of Eggs in the
Season, from whence they are produced. There are some of
them larger in this Province than any I have met with in
Europe, for you shall frequently see them chace the Hum-
ming-birds away from the Flowers on which they feed. It is
a long lived Insect, after the Head is off; for I pulled off
the Head from one of them in the middle of Summer, that
lived about thirty five Days, and could flie all that time. This
any one that pleases may try and prove the Truth of it. The
Powder of these Insects taken inwardly, provokes Urine, and
have much the same Virtues with the Silk-worm.
The Grass-hoppers are very plenty, whereof there are two
Sorts ; the first are of a much larger size than any I have met
156 The Natural History
with in Hurope. The second are much of the same bigness
as those with us. Both these sorts seem to be more lazy and
dull Insects than those in Hurope, for they are seldom heard
singing, but commonly are groveling in the Dust. They are
likewise bad sighted, for they will scarce stir ’till you almost
tread upon them. Of all Creatures that are known to live,
the Grass-hoppers alone have no Mouth, only a sharp Pipe
in their Breasts, wherewith they suck in the Dew, on which
they live. Their Breasts are full of small sharp Pipes, with
which they make that ringing Noise we hear, and their Bel-
hes, for the most part, are found empty. They engender
with their Bellies upward, and have a roughness on their
Backs, which is sharp, and it is with this that they make Holes
in the Earth, where they lay their Eggs, and breed. When
these Eggs are hatched (which is by the heat of the Sun) there
appear first little Worms or Maggots, which in process of
time become Grass-hoppers. The Males are only said to sing,
and the Females to be always silent. They are never to be
met in these parts in the Winter Season. The Powder of them
dried and given with Pepper, helps the Cholick, difficulty of
Urine, and the Ashes with Rhenish Wine the Gravel.
Sows, or Hog-lice, breed in most places, especially under
Stones and rotten Wood, whereof there are two sorts in this
Province, but not so plenty as with us, by reason that the
Wood-peckers, and several other Birds and Creatures con-
tinually devour them. When they are touched, they gather
themselves up as round as a Pea. The whole Insect is thin,
and of volatile Parts, digesting, cleansing, opening, and a
great disolver of all tartarous Matter, therefore good in all
Obstructions, Jaundice, Cholick, King’s Evil, old sordid and
rebellious Ulcers, Convulsions, Stone and Gravel, Rickets in
Children,
of North Carolina. 157
Children, dimness of Sight, /rench Pox, and many other
stubborn and lingring Disorders.
The Fire-fly. (1 would not have the Readers be mistaken,
and take these Insects for the Pyrales or Fire-flies that are
represented by Pliny in his Natural History, as bred and liv-
ing in the Fire). These live in the open Air, and are so called,
from their appearing at Night like so many shining Sparks
of Fire. They are as long as the Drones amongst the Bees,
but much thicker, and are of a brownish colour. Their Light
is under their Wings, which appears frightful to Strangers
at first sight, although they have no manner of harm in them.
I have frequently taken them and broke off their Wings,
that they could not fly away, and placed them on a Book in a
dark Room, and whatever way they went, I could plainly see
and distinguish each Letter. They appear in May, and re-
main most part of the Swmmer, and are at sometimes in such
plenty, that the Woods seem to be altogether Sparks of Fire;
they are never to be seen in the Day, but fly all the Night.
What Virtues they may be indued with, are uncertain; for I
never knew any use made of them in this Country.
The Crickets are winged Insects like the Locusts, or Grass-
hoppers, and are plentifully to be met with in this Province.
They seldom frequent the dwelling Houses as those with us
in Ireland do, but are often heard and seen in the Woods and
Corn-fields (especially in the Summer) where they Sing
almost continually, in Winter they approach near the Houses
and other warm places, they are very mischievous, for they
frequently cut large holes in Linnen and Woollen, and are
likewise great devourers of Corn and all kinds of grain. The
Powder of them is said to provoke Urine, and strengthen the
Sight,
158 The Natural History
Sight, their Juice has the same effect, and their Ashes excel-
lent against /luxes and the Gravel.
The Lady Bird is a beautiful small Insect (with red Wings
and black spots thereon) which the Children in Ireland fre-
quently play with; it is to be met with in Carolina in the
Summer time, and is a wonderful Cordial, curing all Fevers
how poysonous or malignant soever, by its sudorifick quality.
The Powder of its Body is of a deep Purple colour, and
emits its Tincture into Water and Spirits of Wine, being not
inferior to Saffron.
The Cantharides or Spanish-flies, are here likewise to be
met with in the Summer time. These Insects are produced
from small Worms like the Catter-pillar in Fig-Trees, Pear-
Trees, Wild-Pines or Pitch-Trees and the Eglantine-Brier:
Their uses and virtues are so well known, that it wou’d be
needless to trouble the reader about them.
The Pismire or Ant, is a small, but industrious and wise
insect, gathering its food in the Summer in the full Moons
and resting in the new ones: They are like a common wealth,
and gather Corn for their Winter provisions, which they dry
and bite at both ends that it may not grow: They wear away
Stones by their assiduity and make beaten Road ways; they
help one another in drawing their Burthens; dam out Water
and bury their Dead. The greater lead the way, and lesser
drag the Corn; and when dirty, they cleanse themselves before
they enter into their habitations. They teach their young to
Labour, but expel the Idle, and when they carry their grain,
it is said to be a sign of fowl Weather. They cast up the
Earth over the Mouths of their Caves (that the Water may
not enter in) wherein they have three Cells; in the one they
live, in another they breed and bury their Dead, and in third
they keep their Corn. They generate in Winter, and bring
forth
”
of North Carolina. 159
forth Eggs, which in Spring are Ants; when old they grow
winged, then suddenly after die. The Ants are of a hot and
dry Nature, excite lust, and wonderfully refresh the Spirits,
their Eggs help deafness, and many other excellent virtues are
atributed to them.
The Spider is a poysonous Insect, which hurts by stinging.
There are divers sorts of these Insects in America, but the
most remarkable is the Mountain-Spider, so called, for its
being found commonly in the Woods near the Mountains,
and scarce any where else. It is the most poysonous and
largest of all Spiders that are yet known in America. Sev-
eral sorts of these Spiders make their Webs or nets so strong
that they often take small Birds in them. Those that have
the Misfortune to be stung by these insects, are afflicted with
different disorders, according to the Nature of the Spiders,
which have communicated the poyson. For you shall some-
time find them aftlicted with violent pains at the heart, short-
ness of Breath, heats and colds all over the Body, tumors,
Inflammations, tremblings, cold sweats, vomiting, singing,
laughing, talking, sleeping, starting, and sometimes fear,
frenzy, and madness, with many other griveous symptoms,
which often end in Death, without a speedy remedy be ap-
plied. The cure is done by bathing with decoction of stink-
ing Trefoil and Oil; fomenting the part with Spunges dipt in
Vinegar, by application of the mullet, lees of Wine and Juice
of Ivy; giving inwardly an electuary made of Tamarisk, Mith-
ridate, and sometimes Musick. The Indians cure it by suck-
ing the part with their Mouths, and continually spitting out
the venom. These Insects being made into a Plaster and ap-
plied to the wrists and Temples, cure Agues.
The Har-wig is to be met with in this Province in the Swm-
mer time, and is the same as in Hurope; these Insects being
boiled
160 The Natural History
boiled in Oil and applied to the Arteries of the Temples and
Wrists, are said to cure Convulsions, by causing a Fever.
Their Powder mixt with Hare’s piss, and so put into the
Ears Evening and Morning, cure Deafness.
The common Small-black-flies are plenty in these parts,
and are more troublesome here than in France or Spain, espe-
cially about the Legs, and no where else, for they will pierce
through a pair of Stockings, and bite like the Clegs or Gad-
flies in Ireland.
The large Black-mackrel-flies are also plenty, especially in
the Summer time, and are the same as those with us in
Europe. The powder of these Insects and their Juice cures
Baldness.
The Ow, or Gad-flies, are so called, from their tormenting
the Cattle in the Summer time; they are of various colours,
but mostly yellow and green, and are plenty in this Province
in the Months of July and August, at which time they are
troublesome to Horses, especially about the Ears and head,
and no where else; for which reason you shall see those that
ride in the Woods, fix green boughs on the Horses heads, to
defend them from these mischievous Insects.
The Moth is there likewise, and differs in nothing from
those in Hurope, being as mischievous and destructive to
Woollen Cloths and Books as those with us. An Oil made of
them is said to cure Deafness, Warts and the Leprosy, and
being mixed with Tar, to be good in all sorts of rebellious
Uleers, Botches, Scabs, Whittles, dc.
The Weevil, is a little small Worm, not much bigger than a
Mite, and is very distructive to Trees, but more especially
to Corn, for I have seen Barrels full of Indian Wheat or Maiz
intirely ruined by these Insects, when there has not proper
care been taken, to prevent their doing mischief. They never
meddle
of North Carolina. 161
meddle with any grain (exposed in the weather) but when
it is put up in close places, such as barrels and the like,
yet this may be easily remedied by shaking a little Salt at
the bottom and top of those vessels the Corn is in.
The Chinch Wall-louse, or Buggs; these are flat, red, and
in shape and bigness like the Sheep-louse, they have an offen-
sive smell when they are killed, they haunt Beds, suck Men’s
Blood very greedily, especially about the Neck and Face,
which in many appeareth for a Day or two, as if stung with
Nettles, and are as numerous in this Provinee as in France or
Spain. Pliny saith, they are good against all Poysons and
biting of Serpents. Marcellus saith, that the Powder of them
cures all Fevers, their Scent, the Fits of the Mother, and that
they are successful to force away the Birth, and After-birth.
The Cock-roch, is a kind of Beetle, something larger than
a Cricket, and of a dark brown Colour; they frequent the
Houses, and are very mischievous among Books and Linnen,
by eating innumerable Holes in them, if there be not care
taken to sweep and keep those places clean where those things
are laid up. When they are killed, they stink hike Buggs;
their Uses in Physick are uncertain.
The T'umble-turds, are a Species of the Beetles, and so
ealled, from their constant rowling the Horse-dung (whereon
they feed) from one place to another, ’till it is no bigger than
a small Bullet. They are one of the strongest Insects, of the
same Size I have ever seen; they frequently fly into Houses,
and I have seen one of them move a Brass Candlestick from
one place to another upon a Table, which seem’d very strange
to me at first; for not long after my arrival, being one Night
at a Planter’s House, who had secretly conveyed two of these
az| Beh Insects
162 The Natural History
Insects under two different Candle-sticks ; amongst other Dis-
courses, he told me, he would made the Candle-sticks move
about the Table by a certain Spell, as he pretended: He had
all this time kept the Candle-sticks in his Hands on the Table.
I was very desirous to see this performance; he immediately
takes his Hands from the Candle-sticks, and struck three
times under the Table, and seemed to mutter some few Words
(as Juglers are known to do) which he had no sooner ended,
but the Candlesticks began to move backwards and forwards,
to my great surprize, for I could imagine nothing else but that
it had been some secret Charm he had got from the Indians,
who are great Conjurers. After the Company had sufficiently
diverted themselves at my surprize, and how desirous I was
to have this Charm communicated to me, one of the Company
takes up the Candlesticks and discovers these Insects, which
are of the same Shape, but something larger than the common
Beetles, that are to be met with in Ireland, which feed on the
Cow-dung, and make Holes in the Ground. There are several
other different Species of Beetles here, but none so remarkable
as these, or so beautiful, with a variety of Colours, such as
Red, Green, Black, Yellow, &c. (except the Horned-Beetle,
Bull-Fly, or Flying-stag.) These Beetles seem to be infected
with little small Insects of a light brownish Colour, which are
commonly called the Lice of the Beetles. Their Powder is
used against the falling out of the Fundament, to expel Urine,
and cure the bite of a Mad-dog. The Juice cures Wounds,
and in Plasters Buboes and pestilential Carbuncles.
The Muskeetoes (in the Indian Language called Toquant)
whereof there are two sorts. The first is small, but pernicious
and troublesome, of a dark colour, and are so mischievous,
and plentiful in some places on this Continent (and espe-
cially
of North Carolina. 163
cially on the Marshes and low Grounds) that scarce any one
can live there, except the Indians, whom they do not bite or
molest; this I am perswaded is owing in a great measure to
their so frequently anointing themselves with Bear’s-grease,
and many other Ointments, which they make and daub their
Bodies with.
The second sort are exactly the same in shape and size with
the former, but are of a whitish Colour; these are not trouble-
some to the Inhabitants, neither do they bite like the former,
they are generally brought here by Southerly Winds in July
and August, in such vast quantities, that it is strange to be-
hold them, they either die suddenly, or are carried away with
the Winds, shifting from the South. What Virtues they may
be indued with is uncertain.
The Muskeetoe-Hawks, are Insects, so called, from their
continually hunting after Muskeetoes, and killing and eating
them; they are a large Flie, with a long Body, great Head,
and Wings, resembling the Dragon-flie, whereof they are a
Species. They are very plenty all over this Province, espe-
cially in the latter end of Summer. They seldom appear in
the Day-time, but hunt the Muskeetoes all night long. I know
no other use they are good for than in destroying those In-
sects, so pernicious and mischievous to Mankind; so that the
Planters seldom kill them.
The Horned Beetle, Bull-flie, or Stag, are to be met with
in several parts of Carolina. These Insects have no Stings,
but a large pair of Horns on their Head, exactly resembling
the Horns of a Deer, for which reason they are called the
Flying-stag, these Horns they can at pleasure bring together
and bite withal. These Beetles are hung as an Amulet about
Children’s Necks for several Disorders.
X2 The
164 The Natural History
The Sand-flie, so called, from their breeding, and always
being found in the Sand-banks, and near the Rivers, they are
very small, not much larger than a Gnat, and are almost as
pernicious and troublesom as the Muskeetoes, especially
about the Face and no where else.
The Wasps are very plenty in this Province, they build
their Nests in Trees, the substance whereof seems like Cob-
webs, or a kind of brown Paper, and it is said they ingender
in Autumn, but never in the Spring, and are bred out of the
softer parts of Horse-flesh, they live upon Flesh, and several
sorts of Insects, which they hunt after and kill for their Pro-
visions. The Wasps, like many other Insects, are not to be
seen all the Winter, but lie in Holes or hollow Trees all that
Season, and they live not above two Years. They seldom are
mischievous, or do any harm, except you provoke them, or
approach too near their Nests, which the Planters frequently
set fire to, by shooting at them with Gun-powder. (This is
commonly done late in the Evening, or early in the Morning)
and then they run away as fast as possibly they can, to avoid
being stung, for when they are provoked, they will pursue in
great Numbers those that have molested them. Their Sting
is worse than that of the Bees, and is cured by application of
Cow-dung mixed with Barly-meal, or Leaven mixed with
Oil and Vinegar. The Powder of them is good to open Ob-
structions of the Reins and Bladder, some use them in all
Cases where Sows or Hog-lice are used, and with the same
success.
The Hornets are in great plenty in this Province; they
build their Nests in Caves and Holes in the Earth, much like
the former, and are said to be produced out of the harder
parts of Horse-flesh, as the other is out of the softer. Their
Decoction, or distilled Water, if touched on the Skin, makes
the place swell as if there was a Dropsie, or the Parts had
been
of North Carolina. 165
been poysoned, yet without pain. The Cure for this, and
their Sting is Venice-treacle taken inwardly, and applying
outwardly Cow-dung, fasting Spittle, Barley-meal, Owl and
Vinegar, &e.
The Labourers, are a Specie of Hornets, and are so called,
from the pains and labour which they take in building their
Nests with a kind of yellow Clay, they make Rooms or Cells
wherein they breed their young, which is wrought so close,
and after such a manner, that it is hard to break it when dry,
to get the young ones out. They are near as large as a Hor-
net, and of the same shape and colour, they have long Legs,
and always breed their young ones in the Summer time.
They are more mild than the Hornets, and seldom or never
sting; I have often observed these Flies to scrape the Sand
by the River sides and moist places, where they make deep
Holes and are buried under Ground before they can come
at the yellow Clay. Some of them have Stings, yet they do
little harm, only they are very troublesome in the Houses by
fixing Clay to the Ceiling, if there is not proper Care taken
to prevent them. ‘Their uses in Physick are unknown.
The Fleas are very plenty in some parts of this Province,
especially in those places where the Indians dress their Deer
Skins, they have no Physical Virtues yet known, but are cer-
tainly most troublesome Guests. They are generated by Dust,
as also of putrefied Sweat, and are destroyed by Decoctions
made of Coloquintzda.
The Louse is not plenty in this Province. They are eaten
by Rusticks for the Jaundice, and Consumption, and to pro-
voke Urine.
The T%ck is a filthy Creature, or kind of Louse that troubles
Oxen, Horses, Deer, Goats, Sheep, Dogs, and sometimes Men.
These
166 The Natural History
These Vermine are plenty in this Country, whereof there are
two Sorts, viz. the Dog, or large Tick, and the small or Sea
Tick.
The large or Dog tick, is the same as with us in Ireland,
only it has a brown Spot on the Back, which disappears as it
grows large. It’s Food is the Blood of several Animals,
which it most greedily sucks, yet it hath no passage to void
the excrements by, and generally sucks till it falls of, beg
so full, and in process of time bursts and dies. The juice of
the Dog-tick is a Depilatory, kills Ring-Worms, the Erysipe-
las, and Itch. These vermine are destroy’d by the Powder or
decoction of Coloquintida.
The Sea Ticks are so eall’d from their being so plentiful in
the marshes on the water sides, they are so small that they are
scarce as large as a small pins head, and are very troublesome
to those that travel in the Woods and near the sides of the
Rivers, for they stick so fast in the Skin, that it is impossi-
ble to pluck them out, and are apt to occasion Inflammations,
Fevers, or inveterate Sores, by scratching the part: And not-
withstanding they are so troublesome, yet they are easily de-
stroyed by washing the parts in the Rivers, or by a decoction
of the leaves of Tobacco or Coloquintida. Those that travel
the Woods in their Boots are never pester’d with these ver-
mine, or if they anoint their limbs with Bears-grease, as the
Indians do, who are never troubled with them. They seldom
appear till the Month of May, and continue till August;
and are supposed to be the spawn of the former, which I
am apt to believe, for I have frequently found the large Ticks
(after they have bursted) with vast quantities of young ones
in them.
The Locust, is an Insect or fly with a head like a Horse,
six Legs and as many Wings, and are of divers colours. They
lay Eggs in Autwmn, which lie all Winter in the Ground,
but
of North Carolina. 167
but in the latter end of Spring they are hatched, and in Suim-
mer become Locusts. These Insects burn Corn, Grass, and
most kinds of plants by touching, and devour the residue ;
and it is reported that in India, there be of them three Foot
in length, which the People of that Country do eat and use
their Legs and thighs for Saws when they are thoroughly
dry: St. John the Baptist fed upon them in the Wilderness.
They are often carried over great Seas, and continue their
flight for several Days together, in such vast Numbers that
they are said to darken the very Sun as they flie, and to be
certain prognostications of a Plague or famine, in whatever
Country they settle, and burn and destroy every thing before
them, and ’tis likewise said, that they will kill Serpents; yet
these pernicious and distructive Insects are not very common
in Carolina. Their Eggs given in Rhenish Wine, help the
Dropsie, and the fume of the fly helps stoppage of Urine in
Women.
The Caterpillar, Palmer or Canker-worm, is the same in
Carolina as is to be met with in Ireland, and many other parts
of Europe. These Insects are very destructive to Herbs and
Corn, if there be not care taken to prevent them, which is done
by the fume of Brimstone. They change like Stlk-worms,
and in process of time become Butter-flies. Their Ashes put
into the Nostrils, stop Bleeding. A powder made of them is
said to be good in the Epilepsy, and their Web is said to stop
the Flux of Women’s courses.
The Gally-worm is a short kind of Scolopender, exceeding
in Number of Feet all other Insects. Some of them are
smooth, others hairy all over, they are about the thick-
ness of a Man’s little Finger, and near two Inches long.
They are not plenty in this Province, having several enemies
that destroy them. Their Ashes wonderfully provoke Urine,
the
168 The Natural History
the Blood with the Juice of Hog-lice, take away white Spots
in the Eye.
The Zobacco-worm; I am not certain whether it is eall’d
by any other Name, but I have call’d it so from its feeding on
the Tobacco-Leaves, it is exactly shaped like the Gally-worm,
but is something larger, and not hairy, and has two sharp
horns on its Head, the Body is white and Black, with as many
Feet as the former. This Insect I take to be another Species
of the Scolopenders and is destructive and pernicious in the
Tobacco Plantations, if there be not care taken to Search for
and kill them, which is a business that the Negroes are very
much employed in during the Tobacco Season. I don’t find
that they are any way Poysonous, for I have known some of
the Planters make their Negroes eat them by way of punish-
ment, when they have been negligent in their Tobacco Fields,
and have not carefully gathered them from amongst the To-
bacco Leaves: what physical virtues they may be indued
with is uncertain.
The Glow-worm has Wings, and it shines in the dark like
Fire; their light is under their Wings, and they are generated
of Dew, they are most commonly to be met with in Swamps,
and wet low Grounds, where they are plenty they shine at a
great distance like a Fire, which has deceiv’d many in the
dark Nights. They are Anodyne, and are given with good
Success in the Gravel, being made into Troches, with Gum
Tragacanth, and Oil of Almonds.
The Land-wood-worms are of a shining Copper colour, and
never exceed four or five Inches in length, and scarce as thick
as a Man’s little Finger. They are so called from being found
in old rotten Trees, and accounted venemous in case they
bite ; yet I have never known any one hurt by them.
There
of North Carolina. 169
There are many other different sorts of Worms found, not
only in rotten Trees, but likewise in several Trees in their
Bloom, and especially the Apple Trees, which I have already
made mention of.
The Teredines or Water-wood-worms, so call’d from their
breeding in Ships and other Timber lying in the Salt-Waters.
They have small soft white Bodies and large, hard Black-
heads; I have frequently seen some of them no thicker than a
Horse-hair, and others the size of a Childs finger. These ver-
mine are only mischievous in the extreme heat of the Swm-
mer, and the fresh Water is an utter Enemy to them, wherein
they perish and die. They are very destructive to Ships and
Timber, especially if they lie in the Mud or Sands, but whilst
they float they never come to any damage by them. I have
seen several planks taken out of Ships and Boats, that have
been eaten by these Worms like a Honey-comb in six Weeks
time, by the negligence of the Masters to whom they belonged,
that suffered them to lie in the Mud and Sands all that time,
and notwithstanding they cut such large Holes within side
of the Plank, yet the Holes on the out side are scarce to be
seen, and no larger than for the point of a small Needle to
enter. The Ashes mix’d with an equal weight of Anniseeds,
and a little Oil, are good against all sorts of Ulcers and
Cankers.
The Harth-worms, whereof there are several sorts, and are
the same here as with us in Ireland. This Insect is a great
Diuretick, Sudorifick, and Anodyne; it discusses, mollifies,
increases Milk, opens obstructions, and cures Wounds, princi-
pally of the Sinews and Ligaments, and many other disor-
ders, being both externally and internally made use of.
The Snails are here likewise, but not so plenty as with us
in Hurope ; having many Enemies that continually destroy
¥ them,
170 The Natural History
them, such as Birds, Snakes, Frogs, dc. The flesh cools,
thickens, consolidates, is pectoral, and Strengthens the
Nerves, cures Coughs, Asthma’s, spitting of Blood, and Con-
sumptions. Outwardly they Ripen Tumors, Imposthumes,
and Carbuncles, especially if mix’d with Ox-gall, they heal
wounds of the Nerves and Ulcers of the Legs, cure Ruptures
and stop Bleeding at the Nose, and many other Disorders too
tedious to Name.
Having thus given an Account of some of the most re-
markable [NSHCTS that are to be met with here, I shall in
the next place proceed to give a Description of the BIRDS,
and FOWLS that this Country produces, many whereof are
not known, or to be met with in HUROPE.
OF
rei India
ec
aS N
ocking Bird
Ss
of North Carolina. 171
OF THE BIRDS.
HE FAGLES being accounted the King of the Birds,
1 shall therefore begin with them. Of these there are
three Sorts, viz. the Bald, the Black, and the Gray
Hagle. The Bald Eagle is the largest, and is so called, because
his Head to the middle of the Neck is covered with a white
sort of downy Feathers, whereby it looks very bald, and the
Tail is as white as Snow, the rest of the Body being of a dark
brown colour. These Birds are very great breeders most part
of the Year, and always build their Nests in old decay’d
Cyprus, or Pine-trees near the River’s side, where they gener-
ally lay two Eges, and sometimes three, but they seldom have
four; as soon as they are hatched, and the young Eagles have
down on them, with white woolly Feathers, the Hen Eagles
lay again, which Eggs are hatched by the warmth of the young
ones in the Nest, so that the flight of one makes room for the
Y2 others
172 The Natural History
others that are just hatched; thus they continue breeding most
part of the Year. They not only prey upon Birds, Beasts, and
Fishes, but upon any thing they are able to destroy. They are
very destructive to Poultry, Lambs, young Fawns, and Pigs,
which they frequently carry Squalling into the Air, and so
bring them with ease to their young ones. They can fly from
Morning till Night, and that very high, notwithstanding they
are heavy of flight, and ¢annot get their food by swiftness, to
help which, there is a Fishing-Hawk, that catches Fish, which
it suffers the Hagle to take from it, notwithstanding it is a
large and swift Fowl, and can make far better way than the
Hagle can, and it is very pleasant to behold the flight of these
two Birds, which sometimes continues for above half an Hour,
at length it lets fall the Fish which the Eagle frequently
catches before it touches the Earth or Water. These Bald
Hagles will likewise attend the Hunts-men, in the Winter time
for several Hours together (but at a great distance) till they
shoot some game, which they frequently flie away with, dead
or wounded. Their Nests are made of Twigs, Sticks, and
several kinds of Rubbish, and generally so large that it is
enough to fill a handsome Cart’s Body, and commonly so full
of nasty Bones and Carcasses that it smells most offensively.
It is the opinion of most People in those parts that these
Eagles are not Bald till they are two or three Years old.
They are the strongest Birds of prey that are yet known in
these parts of America.
The black-Hagles are much the same sort as are to be met
with in Ireland, but not altogether so large as the former, yet
in all other respects as mischievous, and build Nests after the
same manner in old Trees naked of Boughs, and nigh the
River side, from whence as I suppose, they may have a pros-
pect of the Fishing-Hawks, for when they see the Fishing-
Hawk
of North Carolina. 173
Hawk strike a Fish, immediately they take Wing and pursue
Her. The Fishing-Hawk as soon as she perceives herself pur-
sued, will Scream and make a most terrible Noise, till at
length she lets fall the Fish, to make her own escape.
The Gray Hagle, is much of the colour of our Kvie or
Glead, it is not quite as large as the former, but Builds and
preys after the same manner, and is frequently to be met
with all over this Province. All these sorts of Hagles are
very sharp sighted, view their prey at great distances, and have
the best smell of all living Creatures. They are very bold
Thieves, and live to be very old, and die not for Age nor any
Sickness, but of meer hunger, by reason that the upper Beak
of their Bill is so far over grown, and turneth inward so much,
that they are not able to open it, to feed themselves. They
seldom seek their prey in the Forenoon, for they are found
sitting Idle and perched upon Trees all the Morning. It is
reported that the Quills or Feathers of Hagles laid amongst
those of other Fowls, will rot and consume them, which I have
not faith to believe. The Flesh, tho’ scarce fit to be eaten, is
medicinal against the Gout; the Bones of the Skull, in pow-
der, are good against the Megrim; the Brain drank in Wine,
helps the Jaundice, and the Gall is of excellent use in most
disorders of the Eyes, and applied helps the bitings of Ser-
pents and Scorpions, &@c. The Dung opens obstructions, and
applied outwardly, ripens Tumors and pestilential Buboes.
The Fishing-Hawks, are so called, from their continual
catching of Fishes on which they live. They may likewise
be called the Hagles Jack-all; for commonly after they have
taken their prey (as I have already observ’d,) they will flie
at a great height in the Air, and cry and make a noise till
such time as the Hagle comes, and then they will let the Fish
fall
174 The Natural History
fall from them, which the Hagle immediately carries off.
They are a large and strong Bird, being above two thirds as
big as the Hagle, they build their Nests after the same manner
as the Hagles do, and that generally by the sides of Rivers
and Creeks, and the Hagles and these Birds are seldom or
never known to sit upon any living Tree. They are of a Gray
Pyed colour, and the most dexterous Fowl in Nature at catch-
ing of Fish, for they never eat any Flesh-meat. They are
a quick and sharp sighted Fowl, will fly at a good height,
hover above in the Air, and watch their prey, which as soon as
they have discovered, they will dart themselves like an Arrow
out of a Bow into the Waters, and breaking the force thereof
with their Breasts, quickly catch up the Fish and flie away.
But it sometimes happens that they strike their Tallons so
fast in a large Fish which they are not able to carry, that the
fish suddenly takes them under the Water (before they can
discharge themselves) and so drowns them. This I have been
Eye-witness to, and in an Hour after it happened, got both
the Fish (which was a large Drum) and the Fishing-Hawk.
Their virtues and uses are much the same with the Hagles.
The T'urkey-Buzzard, is a kind of small Vulture, which
lives on all manner of dead Carcasses. Their Head and red
Gills resemble very much those of a Turkey, from whence it
has it?s Name. They are near as big as an Hagle, and their
Feathers are of a sooty brown Colour. They are in great
plenty here, and in the Northern Provinces, and have the
most offensive and nasty Smell of any Fowl I have ever met
with. They are a clear and sharp sighted Bird, and their
Flight is like that of our Kites; they soar at a great height in
the Air, for Hours together over the Carrion, ’till such time as
they find an Opportunity to prey on it. They smell at vast
Distances,
of North Carolina. 175
Distances, and will very readily find out where the Carrion or
Prey is, if it be even under the Leaves, or Boughs of Trees,
or slightly buried in the Earth by wild Beasts or Dogs. They
are said to be utter Enemies to all manner of Snakes, killing
all they meet with, for which reason the Planters seldom or
never destroy them or their Eggs. They do no manner of
Harm, feeding for the most part on dead Carcasses, which I
suppose is the cause that they are the stinkingest of any Birds
in these Parts. The Fat of this Fowl made into an Oil, is
recommended against old Aches, and Sciatica Pains.
The Kites are much the same here as those with us in
Ireland, but not commonly so large. These Birds most com-
monly frequent the Northern parts of the Country, there
being but few to be met with in this Province; and in South
Carolina they are seldom to be seen. It is said that they are
mortal Enemies to the Snakes, for which reason the Planters
seldom kill them, or destroy their Eggs. Their Flesh, though
it be of gross Nourishment, yet it is eaten by the poorer sort
of People in several parts of Hurope. They are a very bold
Bird, and a great destroyer of young Poultry, and it is re-
markable when they see a young Duck, Chicken, &c. far from
shelter, and lying exposed, how they will fly round it for sev-
eral times, marking it, then of a sudden they dart down as
swift as Lightning, and catch it up before it'is aware. A
Powder made of them eases the Gout, and helps the Epilepsy ;
the Grease is Effectual to the same Intention, and the Gall is
an excellent Remedy in most Disorders of the Eyes.
The Snake-Hawk, or Herringtaled-Hawk, so called, from
it’s beautiful forked Tail (like a Swallow) and it’s killing
and feeding on Snakes, which it will do with the largest in
these parts, with a great deal of dexterity and ease. It is
about
176 The Natural History
about the bigness of a Falcon, but a much longer Bird. They
are a beautiful Fowl, of a delicate Awrora Colour, the Pin-
ions of their Wings, and ends of their Tails, are of a jet
Black. They never appear abroad in this Province but in
Summer, and what becomes of them in Winter is unknown.
They are in the greatest Request amongst the Planters (who
will not suffer them to be killed) by Reason of their destroy-
ing those pernicious Insects, so hurtful to Mankind. They
are a tame and familiar Fowl, will fly near one, and take
their Prey, which is both diverting and pleasing to the Huro-
peans especially ; as for the Indians they do not regard them.
It is strange to see how they are brought to those places where
the Snakes are, about which they will flie for Hours together,
till they have an Opportunity of killing some of them; and
it is always a certain sign of Snakes being near those places
where ever you meet them thus flyng. I have observed, when
they take a Snake, that they always seize it in their Tallons
near the Head, and flie or drag it some distance before they
prey upon it, which they do by tearing it in pieces. It’s
Virtues and Uses are unknown to any in those Parts.
The Goss-Hawks are very plenty here, but do not appear
to be as large as those from the Northern parts of Hurope,
yet seem to be a very bold, swift and active Bird in pursuing
and taking their Prey, which is Geese, Ducks, Cranes, Hares,
Rabbets, and the like. The Flesh is fat and sweet, may be
used as Food and Hath much the same Virtues with that of
the Kite. The Dung is exceeding hot, and being drank fast-
ing in Wine, is said to cause Conception.
The Falcons are much the same as in Hurope, but seem to
be not altogether so large, yet they are a brave, brisk, and
quick-sighted
of North Carolina. 177
quick-sighted Birds; I have frequently seen them kill Part-
ridges, Parakeetoes, and the like. These Hawks are most com-
monly to be seen in Evenings, flying to the Westward, having,
as it is supposed, their abode and Nests in or near the Moun-
tains, where we may reasonably expect to find them, and sev-
eral other Species that we are intire Strangers to at present.
The Merlin, is a small Bird in Europe, but much smaller
in America; yet it, as well as the other Species of Hawks, is a
bold, ravenous, and quick-sighted Bird, and nimbly kills sev-
eral sorts of small Fowl, and sometimes Partridges. It is a
most beautiful Bird, and would be a great Rarity, if it could
be caught alive, or their Young ones found, but they never
breed near the Settlements, but as is supposed in the Moun-
tains.
The Sparrow-Hawk is not as big as a Fieldfear, it some-
times flies at, and kills small Birds; but it’s chiefest Food
is Reptiles, such as Grass-hoppers, Butter-flies, Beetles, and
such like small Insects. This Hawk is exactly the same
Colour of the Sparrow-Hawk in Ireland, only it has a Black-
hood by it’s Eyes.
The Hobbies, are a Species of the Hawks, something less
than the Huropean Sparrow-Hawks, and much of the same
size and colour with them; yet there are but few of these
kinds of Hawks to be met with in these Parts of America.
The Ringtailed-Hawk, so called, from it’s round Tail, is
another small Species of Hawks, with very short Wings.
They are frequently to be met with in several parts of the
Woods: they prey chiefly on Mice, Rats, and such like Ver-
mine, that are to be met with in the Marshes near Rivers and
Creek’s side.
The Owls, whereof there are three sorts, viz. the White, the
Brown, the Barn, and the small Screech-Owl.
12 is The
178 The Natural History
The first is the great large Owl, which is as big as a mid-
dling Goose, and has a prodigious large Head: It is a deli-
cate Ifeathered Bird, all the Feathers upon the Back and
Breast being Snow-white, and tiped with a punctal of Jet-
black. They are a bold and ravenous Bird, especially in the
Night, at which time they make such a fearful howling, like
a Man, that they have often deceived Strangers, and made
them loose their way in the Woods, as I have been credibly
informed by many in those Parts.
The second is of a Brown, or dark Ash Colour, and is as
large as the former. These two build their Nests in hollow
Trees, where they lie concealed all the Day, but at Night flie
up and down the Woods, where they seek their Prey; yet they
sometimes approach near the Planter’s Dwelling Houses, and
kill Hens, and other Poultry.
The third is the common Barn-Owl, about the bigness of a
Pigeon. This Bird has a beautiful Cirele or Wreath of
white, soft, downy Feathers, encompassed with yellow ones,
passing round the Eyes, and under the Chin, so that the Eyes
appear sunk in the Head. The Breast, Belly, and inside of
the Wings are white, marked with a few dark Spots; being
the most elegantly coloured of all Night-birds.
The fourth is the small Screech-Owl, and is the same as
those in Hurope. These Owls and the former, are frequently
attacked by other Birds, when they find them abroad in the
Day-time; and when they find themselves overpowered, it is
pleasant to see how they will place themselves on their Backs,
where scarce any thing is to be seen but their Beaks and
Tallons, in which posture they will fight, and defend them-
selves. The Flesh of these Birds is eaten by the Indians and
Negroes. It is accounted good in Palsies and Melancholly.
The
of North Carolina. 179
The Grease and Gall is good against Spots in the Eyes, and
to strengthen the Eye-sight. The whole Bird, not plucked,
calcined, and taken into the Throat, opens the Imposthums
of the Quinsie to a wonder, and the Brain, eaten, helps the
Head-ach.
The Parakeetoes, are for the most part of a fine Green
colour, only their Head, and part of their Wings, are of a
beautiful Orange colour. They have thick Beaks or Bills,
exactly like those of the Hawks. They are a Species of the
Parrots, and generally about the bigness of a small Pigeon.
In April they feed on the Birch-buds, and seldom come down
amongst the Planters until the Mull-berries are ripe, which
they eat, and are extreamly fond of. They are likewise very
mischievous to Orchards, and peck the Apples to eat the
Kernels, so that the Fruit quickly rots and perishes. They
build their Nests in hollow Trees, in low swampy Grounds.
They lie hidden in the Winter, when the Weather is extream
hard and frosty, and never appear all that time. There are
none of these Birds or Alligators to be met with to the North-
ward of this Province, by the best Information I could learn,
during my Residence in those parts. They are often taken
alive with Traps, Bird-lime, &c. and will become tame and
familiar in two or three Days time; yet they are not so docile
or apt to learn to speak as Parrots generally are. They are
most commonly very fat in the Mullberry and Fruit time, and
are excellent good Food, preferable to any Pigeon.
The Cuckow of Carolina is a Bird of the same bigness and
Feather with these in Hurope, and sucks the small Birds Eggs
as they do, yet it is never known to ery or sing Cuckow in the
Summer time like the former, neither are these Birds to be
seen in the Winter, at which time they hide themselves in
as hollow
180 The Natural History
hollow Trees, and their Feathers come off, and they are
Scabby, they usually lay but one Egg, and that in the Nest
of the Hedge Sparrow; like those in Hurope. Their Flesh
is sweet and good Food, and eaten by many in these Parts.
Their Ashes are good against the Stone and Epilepsy. The
Dung given in Canary is good against the biting of a Mad
Dog.
The Rail, Jackdaw, and Magpy, are not to be met with in
Carolina or any of the other Neighboring Provinces as far as
I cou’d be informed.
The Ravens are very scarce to be met with in these Parts,
yet they are the same sort as those with us in Jreland, and
other parts of Hurope, they are said to live to a great Age,
and lay about five or six Eggs (before they begin to Sit)
which are of a Pale Greenish Blew colour, and full of Black
Spots. The Flesh is unwholsom, because they feed upon
dead Bodies, yet the Ashes given for two or three Days to-
gether, cures the Epilepsy and Gout. The Brain performs
the same thing, the Grease, Blood and Eggs, make the Hair
Black. The Eggs help the Spleen, but cause Abortion.
The Rooks are less in Carolina than in Europe. They are
good Food when Young (because they never feed on Carrion)
but their Skins are tough, Black and bitter. They are very
great Enemies to Corn Fields, if there be not care taken to
prevent them. They build their Nests after the same manner
as the Rooks with us do, but differ much in their Cry or
Notes, which are more like the barking of a Dog, than that
of Rooks. And it is said that when Rooks build, one of the
Pair always sit to watch the Nest until it be finished ; other-
wise if both go abroad, and leave the unfinished Nest, the
other Rooks rob it, and carry the Sticks away to their own;
hence perhaps the Word Rooking is used for Cheating.
The
of North Carolina. 181
The Black small-Crows, whereof there are two sorts. The
first is bigger than our Black-bird, and exactly of that Colour,
but different in it’s Notes. These Crows are the most hurtful
and pernicious Vermine (especially to Corn) in all America.
They flie sometimes in such vast Flocks, that they destroy
every thing before them. Their Flesh is white and excellent
Food.
The second are bigger than the former, and that part of
the Head next the Bill and the Pinions of their Wings, are
of an Orange and most beautiful Crimson Colour; and the
rest of the Body Black. These are as good Meat as the for-
mer, though very few trouble themselves to kill or dress them,
where large Fowl are so plenty. Both these kinds continue
here all the Year, are generally fat, and excellent good Meat,
and I have frequently eat of them. They build their Nest
in hollow Trees as the Parakeetoes do; I look on them to be
a sort of Sterling, for they ery something like them, but do
not sing, and are about the same bigness.
The Turkeys are here wild, in great plenty, and exceeding
large; I have shot some of them which weighed forty pounds,
and I have been credibly informed, that some of them
weighed sixty. You shall see five hundred or more of them
in a Flock together ; sometimes the wild Breed with the tame,
which they account makes them very hardy. I am satisfied
it does, for the Indians frequently find their Nests, and bring
their Eggs to the Christians, which are hatched under Hens,
Ducks, tame Turkies, ¢@c. As soon as they are out of the
Shell, they will fend for themselves, and are more easily
brought up than a Chicken with us. Notwithstanding they
are thus hatched, and familiarly bred up, yet they still retain
a wild Nature, and commonly, when they are a Year and a
half old, and grown large, run wild into the Woods, and can
never
182 The Natural History
never be brought into the House to Roost, but perch on some
high Tree near it, and are always observed to seperate them-
selves from the tame sort, although (at the same time) they
Tred and breed together. There is no manner of difference
that I can see between the wild Turkeys and the tame, either
in their Shape, Gobling, Call, or Notes, only the Feathers
of the wild are always of a blackish shining dark Gray, that
in the Sun, shine like a Duck’s Neck, very specious, and they
have thicker and larger Legs. They are a sharp sighted
Fowl, and excelent good Food. They feed on Acorns, Huckle-
berries, and several other Berries and Fruits that the Coun-
try produces, which makes them exceeding fat. I have been
eredibly informed, that if one take these wild Turkey Eggs,
just when on the point of being hatched, and dip them (for
some small time) in a Bowl of Milk, or warm Water, that it
will take off their wild Nature, and make them as tame and
domestick as the others. But how true this may be, I know
not, never having made an Experiment that way; neither can
I see any Reason to believe it; yet I thought fit to insert it,
that others may try. The Indians have frequently these wild
Breed hatched at home, to be a Decoy to bring those that are
wild near their Houses, by which means they shoot many.
They are seldom to be met with but in the Morning and
Evening, for at Sun-rise they go off to feed, and at Sun-set
they return and perch on high Trees, and so continue all
Night. At any other time of the Day you shall scarce find
one, except it be when they are Breeding, or in Snowy
Weather, and then they are to be seen in great Flocks to-
gether. They are a wary Fowl, and seldom shot but whilst
they are perching on the Trees. They may be heard eall or
gobble, at a great distance (Morning and Evening, but at no
other
of North Carolina. 183
other time) which brings the Huntsmen to those places where
they are. They are a heavy Fowl, and cannot flie far, but
will run exceeding fast, for if you should chance to break
one of their Wings in Shooting, without a Dog, you seldom
catch them. Their Uses in Physick are the same with the
tame Turkey.
The Pheasants are something less, and differ some small
matter in their Feathers from those in Ireland, but are no
ways inferior in delicacy, but rather better and finer Meat.
They are very plenty, but their chiefest Haunts are back-
wards in the Woods, and near the Mountains; for they are
seldome to be found near the Inhabitants. The Pheasant is
accounted better Meat than almost all other Fowl, because it
is of a most delicate Taste, and yields such excellent Nour-
ishment. They feed on Acorns, Berries, Grain, and several
sorts of Seeds of Plants. Their Flesh is good in hectick
Fevers, the Gall sharpens the Sight, and the Blood resists
Poyson.
The Wood-cocks are not near as large in these parts of
America, as those in Hurope; they differ nothing in shape
and Feather, only their Breasts are of a Carnation colour,
and they make a Noise (when on the Wing) like the Bells
about a Hawk’s Legs. They breed and continue here all
the Year, and though they are not as plenty here as they are
in the Northern parts of Europe, yet they are as fine and
delicate Meat as any of that kind in the World. They are
to be met with in most parts of this Country, but especially
in the low Grounds, Springs, Swamps, and Percoarsons.
Their Flesh is best in Winter being then fattest. It and all
it’s Parts have the Virtues of Partridges.
The Snipes are plenty in several parts of this Province,
and are the only wild Bird that are not different from the
same species in Hurope. They frequent the same Places as
those
184 The Natural History
those with us do, viz. Springs, Wet Ground, &c. Their
Flesh is tender, sweet, and of excellent Nourishment.
The T'ul-cocks, are a Species of Snipes in these parts, and
are almost like the former in Size and Feather; they are
plenty in several Places of this Province, and nothing inferior
to the former in the delicacy of their Meat; but these, as
well as most other small Birds, are little regarded or made
use of at present, where large Fowl are so numerous.
The Curliew, whereof there are three sorts, and vast Num-
bers of each: They have all long Bills, and differ neither in
Colour or shape, only in size, from those in Hurope. The
largest being as big as a good Hen, and the smallest as large
as a small Wood-cock, and those sorts are excellent Meat, and
nourish very much.
The Sea-Pie, or Gray Curliew. This Bird is about the
bigness of a large Wood-cock, and has a long Bill as the other
Curliews have, which is of a yellowish colour, and so are it’s
Legs. It frequents the Sand-banks on the Sea-side. When
killed, is inferior to no Fowl I have seen or eat of ; It’s Flesh
being tender, well relished, and nourishing.
The Will-Whillet, is a Bird so called, from it’s Cry, for
it exactly repeats, or calls Will-willet, as it flies. The Bill
is like a Curliews or Wood-cocks, and has much such a Body
as the other, but not so tall; it is good Meat, being nourish-
ing and well tasted. They are plenty along the Shore, and
the sides of Rivers, and are much of the same Nature and
Virtues with the Curliews.
The Lapwing or Green-Plover: These Fowl are very
plenty in several parts of this Province, especially in the
Savannas, and near the Mountains. Their Cry is pretty
much like those with us, they differ little or nothing in the
Feathers, but are not near so large, yet not inferior to any
of
of North Carolina. 185
of that Species, in the delicacy and goodness of their Meat.
Their Ashes drank in Wine, is good against the Cholick, and
a Cataplasm thereof, helps the biting of Mad Dogs.
The Grey, or Whistling-Plover. These Fowl are very
searce, and seldom to be met with near the Settlements, but
there are great Numbers of them in the Vallies and Savan-
nas near the Mountains, and Heads of Rivers, where they
are to be met with in great Flocks. They differ little from
ours, either in Feather or Size, as far as I could discern, and
eat as well as any of the same sort in Hurope; the Flesh is
pleasant, and much better Nourishment than the Green-
Plover.
The Partridges are not as large as those in Ireland, being
not much bigger than our Quail. They frequently perch
upon Trees, and have a kind of Whistle or Call quite differ-
ent from those with us; but the same Feathers, only the
Cock has a half Circle over each Eye, instead of the Horse-
shoe. They are a beautiful Bird, but great destroyers of
Pease, Wheat, and Indian Corn, in the Plantations, where
the Boys set Traps and catch vast numbers of them; I have
frequently bought a Dozen of them for less than a twelve
penny Bill. They are generally exceeding fat, and are a
far more delicious Morsel than ours. Sed de gustibus non est
disputandum. They might be easily transported from one
Place to another, because they take to feeding immediately
after they are caught. The Rattle-Snake frequently destroys
them, however they are in great Plenty in this Province, and
resort in Covies as ours do. It is a very libidinous Bird,
for they will seem to couple with their own Image in a Glass:
they lay ten or fifteen Eggs, and sit twice in a Year, and
are said to live about fifteen or sixteen Years. The Blood
Aa helps
186 The Natural History
helps the Eyes, wounded or Blood-shot, and the Gall is one
of the most eminent things in the World for defects in the
Eyes.
The Yurtle-Doves are very plenty in these parts of
America, and breed and remain here all the Year; they are
something less than a common Pigeon, the head and back are
of a duskish blue, or ash Colour; they have a more melan-
cholly Tone or Note, than any of the other Species of Doves,
that are to be heard up and down in the Woods, as you travel
through them. They live eight Years, are destructive to
Corn-fields and Pease, for which reason the Planters make
Traps, and catch great Numbers of them. I have frequently
eat of them, and they are a most delicious Morsel. Their
Flesh has the same Virtues with the Pigeon, but is peculiarly
good against the Bloody Flux.
The Wild Pigeons are like the Wood-quest, or Stock-dove,
only they have longer Tails. They seldom or never appear
amongst the Planters, or near their Settlements, but in the
Winter (as Wood-cocks do with us) they come down in large
Flocks, that it is surprising to behold them. After Sun-
rise I have seen them fly, one Flock after another, for above
a quarter of an Hour together. They come at this Season
of the Year in quest of a small sort of Acorn, that is called
the Turky-Acorn, which groweth on the Turky-Oak, where-
of I have already made mention. It is common in these
Parts, and thereon these Wild-Pigeons feed in that Season,
and are very fat. It is observable, that wherever they settle,
or roost at Night, they frequently break large limbs of Trees,
in several places in the Woods. When they come in these
numerous Flocks, they generally clear all before them, scarce
leaving one Acorn on the Ground. It is said they breed in
the Mountains (and I am persuaded, considerably to the
Northward of us, because they never appear here but in the
extremity
of North Carolina. 187
extremity of the Winter, when it is hard Frosty or Snowy
Weather) but whether they make their Nests in the Rocks,
or in Trees, is not known, by any that ever I conversed with.
I should rather think they made them in Trees, because of
their frequent sitting and roosting on them at Night. Their
Dung will le above half a Foot thick about those Trees,
which kills Shrubs, Grass, and everything that grows near
where it falls. Notwithstanding these Flocks are so numer-
ous, yet they are not to be mentioned in comparison with the
great and infinite number of those Fowls that are to be met
with to the Westward of those Places, where the Christians
at present live (especially on this and the other side of the
Mountains) many of which Species we are little acquainted
with, because they seldom appear or come where we are
already settled. The Flesh is very nutritive and excellent
Food. The Blood helps disorders in the Eyes, the Coats of
the Stomach in Powder, cures bloody Fluxes. The Dung is
the hottest of all Fowls, and is wonderful attractive, yet
accompanied with an Anodyne force, and helps the Head-
ach, Megrim, pain in the Side and Stomach, Pleurisy, Chol-
ick, Apoplexy, Lethargy, and many other Disorders.
The Moor-hen. I never saw any in this Country, yet I
am credibly informed, that they are to be met with in the
Mountains, and high Country, for they never appear in any
part of the Settlements.
The Wood-pecker, whereof we have five sorts, if not more.
The first is as big as a large Pigeon, of a dark brown Colour,
with a white Cross on the Back, and a white Circle round the
Eyes, and on it’s Head stands a Tuft of beautiful Scarlet
Feathers. Their Cry is to be heard at a great Distance, and
they fly from one rotten Tree to another to get Grubs and
Worms, which is what they live on.
Aa: The
188 The Natural History
The second sort are of an Olive colour, striped with Yel-
low. They are about the bigness of those in Hngland. They
feed after the same manner with the former, on Grubs and
Worms.
The third sort is about the same bigness with the second,
and is pied or mottled, with black and white, and it’s Head
is of a beautiful Vermilion colour, but hath no Topping on
it; they are destructive to Corn and Fruit, especially Apples.
They likewise open the Covering of the young Corn, so that
the Rain gets in and rots it.
The fourth sort are finely speckled or mottled, with beau-
tiful white and black Feathers, the finest I ever saw. The
Cock has a beautiful red Head, but not near as big as the
former. Their Food is Grubs and other creeping Insects,
and Corn. They are not wild, for they will let one come near
them, but then they hop and shift themselves on the other
side of the Tree from your sight, and this they will do for
a considerable time; yet it is very difficult to shoot one of
them by their shifting so often from you, notwithstanding
they will scarce leave the Tree. These are about the bigness
of our Lark.
The fifth sort is about the bigness of a Jay. The top of
the Head is of a Crimson or Vermilion Colour, spoted with
Black, round each Eye is a circle of Black, and on each side
is a Vermilion spot. The Throat, Breast, Belly, and Wings,
are of a Pale Green, the Rump of pale Yellow, or Straw
Colour. Its Tongue is of a great length, with which it
strikes Ants, and other Insects. The Bills of all these sorts
are so sharp, hard, and strong, that you shall hear the stroke
of them sound like a Chizzel against a Tree. They are well
acquainted in what Trees Worms are bred in by the Sound.
They Climb Trees upright, after the manner that Cats do,
and bend their head and look backwards on those that ap-
proach
of North Carolina. 189
proach near them. They make Holes in Trees where they
build their Nests, and it is reported that if these Holes were
stopt up ever so secure with a Wedge or Pin of Wood, that
they will soon take it out again, so dextrous are they to work in
Wood with their Bills. The Flesh of these Birds is not
good for Meat, being harsh and hard of Digestion, outwardly
it helps Inflammations, and the Gall with Honey and Juice
of Rue is used in disorders of the Eyes. There is a Tradt-
tion amongst them, that the Tongue of one of these Wood-
Peckers dryed, will make the Teeth drop out if pricked
therewith, and cure the Tooth-ach (though I believe little
of it, but look on it as ridiculous) yet I thought fit to hint
it, that others may try the Experiment; for sometimes such
odd Stories refer to some particular Virtues, though all that
is said of them be not true.
The Cat-Birds so called, from their crying or making a
Noise exactly like the Young Cats, for I never could discover
or hear any other Note amongst them. They have a blackish
Head, and an Ash-coloured Body. They are about the big-—
ness of our Lark, will fight a Crow, and many other Birds
much larger than themselves. They are pretty good eating,
but what Physical Virtues they may be endued with, are
unknown.
The Mocking-Birds, so called, from their mocking all other
Birds in their singing, for they have such diversity of Notes,
that there is scarce a Bird in these parts, that they hear, but
what they will imitate; and they certainly are one of the
finest singing Birds in the World. There are two sorts of
these Birds. The first has Feathers much of the Colour of
our Green-Plover, with White in the Wings, like a Magpye’s.
This has a more melodious and soft Note than the latter, and
is generally about the bigness of our Thrush. They are held
to
190 The Natural History
to be the Choristers amongst the Birds of America, as indeed
they are, for they will sing with the greatest diversity of
Notes that is possible for any Bird to change. They are
fond of our Dwellings, and frequently resort thither; being
bold and brisk Birds, yet seem to be of an extraordinary
tender Constitution; for they neither sing in the Winter, nor
in the midst of Summer, and it is with great difficulty that
any of them that are brought over, will live in Hngland or
Ireland. They may be bred up tame, and will sing in Cages;
yet the Planters seldom take them or their Young ones
(except it be to sell to those trading to Hurope) notwithstand-
ing they make their Nests, and breed most commonly in the
Orchards, and other places near the Dwelling Houses, be-
cause they have their Company as much as if in Cages, for
they frequently sit on their Houses in the Summer, and sing
all the Evening, and most part of the Night. They feed on
Mulberries, and several other Berries and Fruit, especially
the Mechoacan-berry which grows plentifully in these Parts.
The second sort is called the Grownd-mocking-Bird, and is
of a light Cinnamon colour, about the same bigness of the
former. This Bird sings excellently well, but is not so com-
mon amongst us as the other, neither does it frequent or
resort our dwellings, but delights to live amongst the Myrtle
Trees (being of a wilder Nature than the first) where it
breeds it’s young Ones; and like the former, is never known
to sing in Winter. Both these sorts of Birds continue here
all the Year and are in great request amongst the Planters.
The Red-birds, so called from their beautiful Red colour,
whereof there are two sorts, the Cocks of both sorts are of a
pure Scarlet, and the Hens of a duskish Red. I distinguish
them into two sorts; for the one has a fine Tuft or Topping
of Searlet Feathers on the Head, and the other is smooth
Feathered
of North Carolina. 191
Feathered. JI never saw a Tufted Cock with a smooth-
headed Hen; they generally resort Cock and Hen together,
and always play in or near a Thicket, where the Boys set
their Traps and catch, and sell them to Persons trading to
Europe. They have strong and thick Bills, and are near as
big as our Black-Birds in Europe. They are very hardy,
and continue here all the Year. They Whistle and Sing like
a Thrush, but are more melodious. They are good for turn-
ing Cages with Bells, and if taught like the Bull-Finch, and
other Birds, I do not doubt would prove very docile; ’tis
pleasant to behold this Bird seeing it’s own Image in a Look-
ine-Glass, because it hath so many diverting and strange
Gesticulations, either making a hissing Noise, or lowering
it’s Crest, setting up it’s Tail, shaking it’s Wings, striking
at the Glass with it’s Bill, with many more too tedious to
Name. If they are taken at any time they will feed and
become tame; yet it has been observed, that when they are
shut up in Cages for some Years, they become Milk-white,
and so stupid that they scarce know how to feed themselves,
which is never known to happen whilst they are in the Woods
and free from Confinement. They feed on Indian Corn
and several sorts of Berries and Seeds, produced in this
Country. These Birds and the former, eat much like our
Thrushes.
The Field-fair, is much like those with us in Ireland, but
are never to be seen in this Province but in Winter, they are
then very fat, and excellent Food.
The Thrushes are the same in those parts of America, as
with us, only they are Red under their Wings. They never
appear amongst the Planters but in hard frosty Weather,
and quickly leave us again; ’tis supposed they go to the
Northward where they breed. They are fat in that Season,
and the Flesh is of good Nourishment.
The
192 The Natural History
The Throstles are of the same bigness and Feather with
those in Hurope, but are not to be admired for their warbling
Notes, as ours are, for I have seldom heard them sing. These
Birds are very fat in the Winter, and are good eating. Being
roasted with Myrtle-berries, they help most sorts of Fluxes.
The Throstle is called in Latin, Berbiacenfis, from Berbia-
cum, a Village near Verona in Italy, being there first seen at
the Battle between Otho and Vitelus, where the former was
overcome.
The Whipoo-will, is a Bird so called, from it’s frequent
and exact repeating those Notes or Words. These Birds are
about the bigness of a Thrush, and are hard to be seen,
although they be heard never so plain, for they constantly
run under Thickets and Bushes where they hide themselves,
and call their Notes. They are scarce in this Province, and
seldom to be met with to the Southward of it; but in Vir-
gima and other Provinces to the Northward, they are very
plenty in most of the Plantations, and are tolerable good
eating.
The Jays are here very common, but more beautiful and
finer Feathered than those in Hurope, for these are Blue,
where ours are Brown, and not above half as large, but have
the same Cry, and sudden jetting Motion. They are mis-
chievous in devouring the Fruits of the Country, and com-
monly spoil more than they eat. The Flesh of these Birds
are much better Nourishment than any of the same sort in
Hurope, where they are commonly eaten by the poorer sort
of People, and especially in France, but are seldom made use
of in these parts of America, where large Fowl are so plenty.
The Kill-Deer, is a Bird in these parts, so called, from it’s
frequent repeating those Words. It is about the bigness of
our Redshank, and of the same colour, and frequents the
Banks and River sides, as the former. These Birds continue
here
of North Carolina. 193
here all the Year, are generally fat, excellent good Meat, and
easily shot; but being a small Bird, are little regarded, or
made use of.
The Sand-Birds, so called from their being always on the
Sand-banks, and scarce any where else. They are about the
bigness of a Lark, and of a gray and brown Colour. They
are generally fat, and numerous in these Parts; they are a
most delicious Morsel to eat, yet few spend their Time or
Ammunition to kill them.
The Runners, are Birds so ealled, from their continual
running and feeding along the Sands. They will suffer
one to run after them a long time, and even to throw a Stick
at them, before they will get up or fly away; so that they are
often driven together in great Numbers, and shot. They
are about the bigness of a small Snipe, partly of that colour,
and excellent good to eat.
The Lark is heeled, and coloured as those with us are, but
the Breast is of a glittering fine Lemon colour, in shape like
a Half Moon. These Birds frequent the Savannas, or Nat-
ural Meads, and green Marshes, and are as large as a Field-
fare, and they have a soft Note. They breed twice a year,
and are said to be troubled with the Epilepsy. They nourish
very much, and are excellent good Meat. The Blood drank
fresh, with Vinegar, helps the Stone in the Bladder.
The Bunting-Larks, whereof there are two sorts, though
the Heels of these Birds are not so long as those in Hurope.
The first have an Orange colour on the tops of their Wings,
and are good Meat. They frequently accompany the black-
bird, and sing as the Bunting-Larks do in Europe, differing
very little in their Notes, and have much the same Virtues
with them.
The second Sort is something less than the former, of a
lighter colour, and differ nothing in Feathers or bigness from
ie Bb those
194 The Natural History
those with the Tuft or Crest on their Heads, that are com-
monly to be met with in Ireland, and many other parts of
Europe, and their Flesh is good to eat.
The Blue-Bird, so called, from it’s being all of a beautiful
fine Blue-colour, except the Breast of the Cock, which is Red
like the Robin Red-brest. They have an odd kind of Cry,
or Whistle, very different from the former. These Birds
hide themselves in the Winter, so that they are not to be seen
all that Season, but are plenty in the Summer. They are
but a small Bird, not so large as our Buntings, but are excel-
lent good Meat.
The Bull-finches in these parts of America, are of the same
size and bigness of those with us, but differ some small mat-
ter in their Feathers, from those in Hurope; those in Caro-
lina being more beautiful. But whether they are so docil
as those with us, I cannot tell, never having seen any of them
bred up in Cages. The Flesh of these are much the same
with that of the Sparrow.
The Nightingals differ something in their Feathers from
those in Hurope, but have much the same Notes: They are
as big as a Goldfinch, and always frequent low Grounds,
especially amongst the Myrtle-berries, where they generally
sing very prettily all Night; but in the Winter (like the
Swallow) are neither to be heard or seen. They breed in
May, and generally lay about four or five Eggs in a Nest, near
which they seldom sing, for fear of being discovered. The
Flesh is sweet and good Food, helping the Cachexia, and
strengthning the Brain. The Gall mixed with Honey, helps
Disorders in the Eyes.
The Sparrows differ in Feather from those in Hurope, and
are never known to resort or build their Nests in the Eaves
of Houses, as ours do. There are several sorts of Birds
called Sparrows, from their being so plenty all over this
Province ;
of North Carolina. 195
Province; one kind of these Sparrows exactly resembles the
Bird we eall the Corinthian Sparrow. All the Species of
Sparrows are extraordinary good Meat, and the Boys catch
ereat numbers of them in Traps, especially in Winter.
The Hedge-Sparrows are here, though there are few
Hedges, but what are made of Timber. They differ little
in either Plume or Bigness; yet I never heard them Whistle
as those in Hurope do, and especially after Rain. These
and the other Sparrows are nourishing, and prevalent in the
decay of Nature.
The Red-Sparrow, so called, from the great resemblance it
has to a Sparrow in it’s Size and Bill, and being one of the
most common small Birds in these Parts. They are striped
with a brown, red, and Cinamon colour, and the Tail and
Wings incline to black.
The Titmouse, or Tom-tit, is the very same as with us in
Europe, differing in neither shape, size, or feather. These
small Birds are in plenty all over this Province. They are
found for the most part about Trees, and live chiefly upon
Insects which they find there.
The Snow-Birds, (I take to be same with our Hedge-
Sparrow) are so called, from the vast numbers of them that
come into those Parts in hard Weather, and especially when
there is any Snow, but are seldom or never to be met with at
any other time. For the Weather no sooner changes, than
they are gone to the more Northerly parts of America, where
they are most numerous. They are a small Bird, about the
bigness of the Wheatear. The Boys catch great quantities
of them in Traps, during their abode in these parts. They
are fat, nourishing, and good eating.
The Yellow-wings are small Birds, so called, from their
beautiful yellow Wings. They are of the colour of a Linnet
on the Back and Breast, but in size less, with Wings yellow
as
196 The Natural History
as Gold. They frequent high up the fresh Water Rivers
and Creek sides, where they breed. They hide themselves in
the thick Bushes, and are very difficult to be seen in the_
Spring, but in Summer they appear and sing all the Season.
What other properties they may be indued with, is uncertain.
The Weet Birds are about the bigness of a Sparrow, and
of a greyish Colour, and are so called, from their Weeting
or cry before Rain. These Birds frequent near the sides of
Rivers and Ponds of fresh Water, where they Breed. What
physical Uses they may have is not known.
The Goldfinches. There are a sort of Birds like these to
be met with here, variegated with Orange and Yellow Feath-
ers, very specious and beautiful to behold; yet I never heard
them sing, as those in Hurope are known to do.
The Baltimore Birds, so called from my Lord Baltimore,
being Proprietor of all Mary-Land; in which Province they
are very plenty. They are about the bigness of a Linnet,
with yellow Wings and variety of other beautifull Colours.
They appear most commonly in this Province in the Winter
Season, at which time they are fat and good eating.
The Kast India Bats, or Muskeetoe Hawks, are so called
from their killing and feeding on Muskeetoes, and because
the same sort of Birds are found in the Hast Indies. They
are as large as a Cuckow, and much of the same Colour, but
have short Legs, not discernible when they flie. They appear
here only in the heat of the Swmmer, and at the approach of
cold Weather, leave us again. They are never seen in the
Day time, but are secudding all Night, like our Night Raven,
in pursuit of Muskeetoes, Gnats, and other Insects, on which
they feed. And though it is called a Bat, I see no reason for
it, because it bears no manner of Resemblance to the Huro-
pean
of North Carolina. 197
pean Bat, the Hast India Bat being a Fowl with Feathers,
and the other bodied like a Mouse, with Leather Wings. I
never knew any use made of these Birds, for the Planters
never kill them; because they destroy those pernicious Insects
the Muskeetoes.
The Bats, whereof there are two sorts, which I have already
given a Description of amongst the Beasts, it bearing the
greatest resemblance to that Species; for though it flies, yet
it hath no Affinity to Birds, not so much as a flying Serpent,
and notwithstanding it be not properly a Quadruped, it hath
Claws in the Wings, which answer to fore Legs. These Bats
are plenty in this Province, and differ only in being larger
than those in Hurope.
The Swallows are very plenty in the Summer, and differ
nothing from those in Hurope. The flesh of these Birds
is no good Nourishment, yet often eaten, is said to help Dim-
ness of sight, the falling-sickness, and many other Disorders.
The Nest outwardly applied, is of excellent use in Quinsies,
redness of the Eyes, &c. These Birds feed on Flies, Worms,
and many other kinds of small Insects.
The Swift, or Diveling, has a great Head and Wide Mouth,
but a small Bill. The colour of the Feathers of the whole
Body is black, only under the Chin, is a Spot of white or
Ash-colour; the Legs are short, but thick, and the Feet small.
These Birds feed as the Swallows do, and have much the
same Virtues.
The Martin, or Martinet, whereof there are two sorts.
The first is exactly the same as with us in feather and size,
and have the same uses and virtues; but what becomes of
these and some other Birds in the Winter, whether they -flie
into other Countries, or sleep in hollow Trees, Rocks, or other
secret
198 The Natural History
secret Places, Natural Historians are not agreed, nor can they
certainly determine. They constantly come to these parts
in the beginning of March, and one or two are generally seen
hovering in the Air for a Day or two before any large Flocks
of them appear.
The second sort is near as large as our Black-bird, they
have white Throats and Breasts, black Beaks and Wings.
The Planters are very fond of preserving them, and fre-
quently tye a number of Gourds on long standing Poles near
their Dwellings, on purpose for them to breed in, because
they are a warlike Bird, and beat the Crows, and many other
kinds of Birds much larger than themselves from their Plan-
tations. One morning, very early, I espied a Snake crawl-
ing up one of these Poles, with a design to destroy the
Young ones or Eggs in these Gourds, and it was surprizing
to see with what eagerness the Martins fought with the
Snake, which still approached nearer the Gourds. Seeing
the Birds in this Distracted manner endeavouring to preserve
their Species, I had the Curiosity to come near the Pole,
where I observed the approaches the Snake still made to
procure it’s Prey. I immediately got a long hollow Reed
and killed the Snake (which was one of the Chicken-Snakes,
whereof I have already made mention) and placed it near the
Pole, which the Martins still attacked, and would not be
pacified ’till it was conveyed from the Place.
The Wren is scarce, and seldom to be met with, but is the
same in size, Feathers and Notes, as in Hurope. This small
Bird builds it’s Nest in the Moss on Trees, it lays Nine or
Ten, and sometimes more Eggs at a sitting: It is wonderful
strange, that a Bird with so small a Body, should cover such
a Number of Eggs, or that it should feed so many Young,
and not miss one of them. The Flesh is said to help the
stoppage of Urime, and to have the same Virtues with the
Sparrow.
The
of North Carolina. 199
The Humming Bird is the least of all Birds, yet well
known in the World, and may properly be said to be the
miracle of all Winged Animals, for it is Feather’d lke a
Bird and gets its living as the Bee does, by sucking the
Honey from each Flower. They are of different Colours,
but the Cocks are more beautiful than the Hens, with variety
of Colours, such as Red, Green, Aurora, and several other
beautiful Colours, which being exposed to the Sun Beams
shines admirably. They have long Bills and Tails, consid-
ering their bigness, which is scarce equal to a Spanish Olive.
In some of the larger sort of Flowers they very often bury
themselves, so that they are quite covered, to suck the bottom
of them, by which means the Children commonly catch them
whilst they are thus feeding; and I have seen of them nour-
ished and kept alive in Cages for six Weeks, on Honey.
They fly very nimbly (but more like Insects than Birds) from
Flower to Flower, to seek their Food and make a humming
noise like a Hornet or Bee, hence it took it’s Name in English
of Humming-bird. They remain and breed here during the
heat of the Summer, but what becomes of them in the Win-
ter is not known, for they never appear at that time, viz. from
October ’till April. They are so very small that I have fre-
quently seen the Butter-flies chace them away from the
Flowers. Their Nests are a great Curiosity, and may prop-
erly be said to be one of the greatest pieces of Workmanship
the whole species of winged Animals can shew, for it com-
monly hangs on a single Bryer most artificially Woven like
a round Ball, with a small Hole to go in and out, where it
lays and Hatches its Eggs, which are very White, of an Oval
figure, and for the most part but two in Number which are
no bigger than a Small Pea. What virtues these small Birds
may be indued with, is unknown.
The
200 The Natural History
The Blue-Peters, or Water-Hens, are very plenty, and dif-
fer from ours neither in size or Feathers, but are seldom or
never eaten (except it be by the Indians and Negroes) being
very hard of Digesting and ill tasted.
The Marsh-Hen is much the same as with us in Hurope in
size and Feathers, but has a more different and shrill Note.
Their Flesh is seldom made use of except it be by the Indians
and Negroes, being Black and ill tasted.
The itterns, whereof there are three sorts. The first is
the very same as with us in its size, Feathers, and Notes.
The second sort is of a dark brown Colour, with a Yellow-
ish white Throat and Breast, with a large Crest or Topping
of Feathers on its Head, but is not quite so large as the
former.
The third sort is no bigger than a Wood-cock, of the same
Colour with the first, and is accounted by many to be fine
eating, yet the Flesh of the former is of the nature of the
Stork and Heron, of no good nutriment. The Skin and
Feathers calein’d, stop Bleeding. The Grease eases pains
of the Gout, helps Deafness, clears the sight, and is excellent
bait to catch Fish with.
The Herons, of these there are three sorts. The first or
common /Zeron is from the tip of the Bill to the end of the
Claws four Feet long to the end of the Tail about thirty eight
Inches. It hath a black Crest on the Head four Inches high,
and is in size, Colour and all other respects, exactly the same
as is to be met with in [reland.
The second is larger than the former and is Feather’d much
like the Spanish-Goose.
The third is not near as large as any of the former, but is
of the same shape, and of a most beautiful white Colour, with
red Legs. These Birds are only to be met with in Swmmer,
and are the finest of that kind I have ever seen, and many in
these
of North Carolina. 201
these Parts would perswade me, that they become the same
Colour with the common Heron, when they are a Year old,
which I am not apt to believe, but look upon them as a dis-
tinct Species from any of the former. All these sorts are
plenty in these part of America, and have the same slow flight
as those with us. They feed on Fish, Krogs, éc., and
like the Rooks, build their Nests in high Trees, and gen-
erally many together. Their Flesh is better than that of
the Crane, but best when young, and eaten by many. The
Bill in Powder, causeth Sleep, the Grease is Anodyne, eases
Pains, and has much the same Properties with the Bitterns.
The Crane is a large bodied Fowl, weighing sometimes
above ten Pounds. It’s Neck and Legs are long, being five
Foot high when extended. The Head is black, with a fine
crimson Spot on the Crown of it, the rest of the Body is of
a Cream colour; they frequent the Savannas, Marshes, and
low Grounds, and though they are Water-fowl, yet it is
thought that they do not feed on Fish, but only on Herbs,
Grain, and several sorts of Seeds and Insects. They are
easily bred up tame, and are good in Gardens to destroy
Frogs, Worms, and other Vermine. The Inhabitants boil
their Flesh, which is tough and hard of Digestion, but makes
good Broath. Their Quills make good Pens, and the Feath-
ers serve for other uses. The /ndians eat their Eggs, which
have a strong smell, are hard of Digestion, and of an unpleas-
ant taste. The Gall is good against Palsies, Consumptions,
Blindness and Deafness. The Fat or Grease helps all hard-
ness, being of the Nature of Goose-grease. They flie with
the Wind, make a great Noise, run fast, and are said to live
about forty Years.
The Storkes are a larger Fowl than the former, and of the
same Shape, onlv their Necks are thicker and shorter, and
Ce are
202 The Natural History
are of a dark grey Colour. They are frequently to be met
with amongst the Cranes, they make a clattering Noise with
their Bills, by the quick and frequent striking one Chap
against the other. It is reported by several Persons whom I
have conversed with, that they are to be found in no part of
America but in this Province. They feed on Frogs, Snails,
and many other sorts of Insects. The Flesh nourishes as
that of the Herons and Bitterns, and the other Parts of this
Fowl] have the same Virtues with them.
The Swans, whereof there are two sorts. The first are
called the 7’rumpeters, from a trumpeting sort of noise they
make, and are the largest sort of Swans in these parts. They
come here in the Winter, and remain with us *till February,
in such great Flocks, that I never saw more of any Water-
fowl in all my Travels than of them, for at that Season,
they are in such vast Numbers on each side of the fresh
Water Rivers and Creeks, that at a distance it seems to be
Land covered with Snow. About Christmas they are fre-
quently so fat, that some of them are scarce able to fly. In
Spring they go to the Northern Lakes to breed. I have sev-
eral times eat of them, and do prefer them before any Goose,
for the goodness and delicacy of their Meat, and especially
a Cygnet, or last years Swan. These Swans are larger than
any I have seen in Hurope. Their Quills and Feathers are
in great request amongst the Planters. As to their Flesh
and Parts, they have the same Virtues with that of the Geese.
The Hoopers are a second sort of Swans, and are so called,
from a hooping Noise they make. This sort are as numerous
as the former, and come to these parts, and go at the same
time that they do; yet the latter abide more in the Salt Water
than
of North Carolina. 203
than the former, are not so large, but their Flesh and Feath-
ers are as valuable. And it is observable, that neither these
nor the other have the black piece of horny Flesh down the
Head and Bill as those in Hurope have. The Grease or Fat
cleanses the Face from Morphew, and other Vices, and their
Oil helps the Gout.
The Wild Geese, whereof there are three Sorts, but differ
very little from each other, only in their Size, having black
Heads and Necks. They are plenty here all the Winter,
come and go with the Swans, and commonly feed with them ;
they eat as well as those in Hurope, being nourishing, though
hard of digestion, and are apt to breed Agues in cold weakly
Constitutions; The Oil or Grease is exceeding hot, and of
thin Parts, piercing and disolving. It cures Baldness, helps
Deafness, pain and noise in the Ears, is good against Palsies,
Lameness, Numbness, Cramps, pains and contractions of the
Sinews, and many other Disorders. The Dung is used with
success in the Jaundice, Scurvy, Dropsy, and Gout. The
ereen Dung gathered in the Spring, and gently dried, is best.
The Grey Barnets, or Barnacles, are in shape like the Wild
Geese, of an Ash and dark grey colour, something less than
the common Goose, with which they agree in Nature and
Virtues. They are very plenty in this Province all the
Winter, at which time they are fat and eat extraordinary
well; there is no difference between them and the Barnacles
in Europe. Some writers assure us, that they breed unnat-
urally of the Leaves or Apples of certain Trees in the Islands
in Scotland ; others, on the contrary affirm, that they are pro-
duced from Eggs hatched after the same manner as Geese
Eggs are, which we are intire Strangers to here, because they
Ce: are
204 The Natural History
are never to be seen in these Parts of America but in the Win-
ter time, for they generally come and go with the Swans and
Geese.
The White Brants, are something larger than the former,
with which they agree in Nature and Virtues, and are very
plenty in the Winter Season. These Birds are as white as
Snow, except the tips of their Wings, which are Black. They
feed on the Roots of Sedge and Grass in the Savannas and
Marshes, which they tear and root up like Hogs. The Plan-
ters frequently set Fire to these Savannas and Marshes, and
as soon as the Grass is burnt off, these Fowl] will come in
great Flocks to eat the Roots, by which means they shoot vast
Numbers of them. They are as good Meat as the other, but
their Feathers are stubbed and good for nothing.
The great Grey-Gulls are as large as a Duck, and very
plenty in these parts, and accounted good Food. They lay
Eggs as large as a House-Hen, which are found in great Quan-
tities in the Months of June and July, on the Islands, in the
Sounds, and near the Shoar. These and the Young ones,
which are call’d Squabs, are good Food, and prove relief to
Travellers by Water, that have spent their Provisions. The
Grease of these, and the other Gulls, is good against the Gout,
and hard swellings, strengthens the Nerves, and eases Pains
in several parts of the Body.
The great Pied-Gulls, are also plenty here; they are a large
Fowl with black and white Feathers, and their Heads beauti-
fully adorned with a black-hood. They lay large Eggs, which
are good to eat, so are their Squabs or Young ones in the
Season; they are of the same Nature and Virtues with the
former.
The
of North Carolina. 205
The little Grey-Gulls are likewise numerous near the Sea
Shoar. They are of a curious grey Colour, about the bigness
of a grey or Whistling Plover, and good Food, being nourish-
ing and well tasted. Their Nature and Virtues are much the
same with the former.
The Old-wives, but why so called, I know not, for they are
a black and white pyed Gull, with extraordinary long Wings,
their Feet and Bill of a fine Golden Colour. They make a
strange and dismal Noise as they flie, and are frequently dip-
ping their Bills in the Salt-Water, and are larger than the
former, but seldom eaten, only by the Indians and Negroes,
their Flesh being black, hard of digestion, and tastes Fishy.
The Sea-Cock, so called from it’s Crowing at break of Day,
and in the Morning, exactly like a Dunghill-Cock ; it is an-
other sort of Gull, of a light grey and white Colour. They
are to be met with in great Numbers near the Sea-Shoar, and
are larger than the former: Their Cry being so Domestick,
hath deceived many, supposing some Inhabitants to be near
them ; yet it is very pleasant, especially to Huropeans, in those
wild and uninhabited places. Their Flesh is not good, there-
fore seldom or never made use of, except it be by the Negroes
and Indians.
The Gull, or Sea-mew (this Bird is also called Sea-cob) is
the same as in Hurope. This Fowl is little regarded, because
the Flesh is of an ill scent, and odious to be eaten; yet it is
said to help the falling sickness; and the Ashes of the whole
Bird, the Gravel in the Bladder and Kidnys.
The Tropick Bird, so called, being in great plenty under
the Tropicks and thereabouts, but are scarce any where else.
They
206 The Natural History
They are a white Mew, with a forked Tail. They are a swift
Fowl, and continually flying like the Swallow. What uses or
virtues they may be indued with, is uncertain, because they
are seldom or never taken.
The Duck and Mallard are exactly of the same size and
Feather with those in Hurope, they are very numerous, espe-
cially in Winter, but their Meat is not to be compared to our
tame Ducks for goodness, and are accounted one of the coursest
sort of Water-fowl in all this Province, so that they are little
regarded and seldom made use of except by the Indians and
Negroes.
The Black-Duck, so called, from it’s black colour, is full
as large as the former, and is good Meat. It stays here all
the Summer, and breeds. They are pretty numerous, and
the Planters take their Eggs, and have them hatched at their
dwelling Houses, and they prove extraordinary good domes-
tick Fowl.
The Summer-Ducks, so called, from their continuing here
all that Season. They have a large Crest or Topping of
Feathers on their Head, are of a beautiful pied white and
black Colour, and are very plenty in these Parts. They
generally build their Nests contrary to most web-footed Fowl,
in the Holes that Wood peckers make in large Trees, very
often sixty or seventy Foot from the Ground, where they
hatch their Eggs; they are an extraordinary good Fowl, and
eat well.
The Whistling Duck, so called, from it’s Whistling when
it flies and feeds. They are of a pretty white and black
Colour, but not so large as our Wild Duck. They are to be
met with in great Flocks in several places of this Country,
and especially near the Mountains, and Hilly parts thereof,
where ’tis thought they breed; they are good Fowl, and excel-
lent eating.
The
of North Carolina. 207
The Whistlers, are another Species of Ducks, and are so
called, from the Whistling Noise they make as they fly. They
are less than our wild Ducks, and very different in their
Feathers from the Whistling-Ducks, and have a greater va-
riety of beautiful Colours than the former. They are like-
wise good to eat.
The Scarlet Eyed Duck, so called, from their red Eyes,
and a red Circle of Flesh for their Eye-lids. They are of
various beautiful Colours, and are to be met with in several
Places, but especially near the Mountains, and the Heads of
Rivers. They are also good Meat.
The Shell-Drakes, are the same as in Hurope, in Feather
and Size. They are in great plenty here, and are very good
Meat.
The Bull-Necks, so called from their thick Necks. They
are a Species of Ducks, but as large as Barnacles, of a whitish
Colour; and have the thickest Necks of any Fowl I have ever
seen, of the same bigness. They come here about Christmas
in great Flocks to the Creeks and Rivers. They are good
Meat, but hard to kill, being a very wary Fowl; will dive as
soon as you can shoot, and endure a great deal of Shot before
they are kill’d.
The Water Pheasant; but for what reason so improperly
eall’d, I know not, for it has no manner of Resemblance of
that Bird. It is a Species of Ducks, having a Crest or Top-
ping of pretty Feathers on it’s Head, which is very Ornamen-
tal. They are about the size of our Wild Ducks, of a light
brown colour, they are in great Plenty, and fine eating.
The Shovellers, are another kind of Ducks, so called, from
their broad and flat Bills. They are Grey, with black Heads,
and something larger than our Wild Ducks. They are plenty
in several parts, and are good Meat.
The
208 The Natural History
The Blue-Wings, are another Species of Ducks, and are
so called, from their beautiful Blue-Wings. They are less
than a Wild Duck, but excellent good Meat. These are the
first Fowl that appear to us in the fall of the Leaf, at which
time they come in large Flocks, as is supposed from Canada,
and other great Lakes that lie to the Northward of us.
The Red-heads, are another Species of Ducks, so called
from their Red-heads, and are less than the Bull-necks. They
are very plenty in the Rivers and Creeks, are sweet Food,
and very nourishing.
The Swaddle-Bills, are another Species of Ducks, of an
Ash colour, and are so called, from their extraordinary broad
Bills. They are excellent good Meat, but not so plenty in
these parts, as the other Species of Ducks are.
The Fishermen, so called, from their Dexterity in Fishing.
They are like a Duck, only they have narrow Bills, with sets
of Teeth. They feed on small Fish and Fry, which they
catch as they swim. They eat Fishy, therefore not in much
request amongst the Planters. The best way in ordering them
is, to take out their Fat and Guts, then bury them under
Ground for five or six Hours, which will make them eat well,
and take away their strong and fishy taste; as I have been
credibly informed by many in these Parts.
The Raft-Fowl, includes several sorts of Ducks, viz. Dr-
vers, Teals, Wigeons, and various other Kinds, that go in
Rafts, or great Flocks along the Shoar, which we know no
Names for at present.
The Divers, whereof there are two sorts. The first are of
a Grey Colour, the other Pied, White, and Black. They are
both good Fowl, and eat well, but hard to shoot, because of
their
of North Carolina. 209
their dexterity in diving under Water, which they will do as
quick as any one can shoot.
The Wigeons are the same as in Hurope, and in great plenty
in the Winter Season. They eat exceedingly well.
The Teal, whereof there are two sorts. The first is exactly
the same as in Hurope, and as good Eating, being more deli-
cious than either Divers or Wigeon.
The second sort frequent the fresh Waters, and are always
observed to be nodding their Heads when they are in the
Water. These sorts are smaller than the former, but finer
and more delicious. They are both very plenty here in the
Winter Season.
The Dipper, or Fisher; these are small Birds about the
bigness of a Z’eal, and much the same as those that are to be
met with in the Islands of Scilly, and many other Islands in
Europe. They are of a black and white Colour, and are so
ealled, from their dexterity in Fishing and catching small
Fish, on which they feed. They eat fishy, for which reason
they are not in much Request amongst the Planters.
The Black Flusterers; some call these Old Wives ; they are
jet black, only the Cocks have white Faces, like the Bald-
Coots. They always remain in the middle of the Rivers, and
feed on Drift, Grass, Carvels, or Sea Nettle. They are the
fattest Fowl in these Parts, and are sometimes so heavy that
they cannot rise out of the Water. They make an odd sort of
a Noise when they fly, and are something larger than a Duck;
some call them the great Bald Coot. Their Flesh is not much
admired, being of a strong and fishy taste, and hard of Diges-
tion, but their Eggs (which are as large as those of Hens) are
good Nourishment.
14 Dd The
210 The Natural History
The Bald-Faces, or White-Faces, are almost as big as a
Duck, and are an extraordinary Fowl and eat well. These
Birds cannot Dive, and therefore are easy to be Shot.
The Water-Witch, or Ware-Coots, are a very strange Fowl,
having all over them Down, and no Feathers, and neither fly
nor go, but are so dexterous in Diving, that scarce any Fowler
can hit or shoot them. They often get into the Fish-Wares,
and are taken, because they cannot fly or get over the Rods or
Poles, whereof the Fish-Wares are made. They are not much
coveted or esteemed, by reason they eat fishy and are hard of
Digestion.
The King’s-Fisher, whereof there are two Sorts. The first
is something larger than a Jay, with a long Bill, and large
Crop, much of the shape and colour of the latter, though not
altogether so curiously Feathered: These Birds most com-
monly frequent the Rivers, prey on small Fish, and build
their Nests on the Shoar.
The second is much the same as with us in Hurope; being
a fine Bird, with red Feet, long Bill, and about the bigness
of our Bunting. The Chin is white with a certain mixture
of Red, and the upper part of the Belly is of the same Colour.
The lower Belly under the Tail is of a deep red, so are the
sides and Feathers under the Wings. The Breast is red, the
utmost Borders of the Feathers being of a beautiful bleuish
Green: From the Neck through the middle of the Back
to the Tail is of a most lovely bright Purple or pale Blue,
which by its splendour is apt to hurt the Eyes of those that
look long and stedfastly upon it. These Birds, like the
former, frequent the Rivers, and build their Nests on the
Shoar. The Flesh roasted and eaten, is good in Convulsions
and
of North Carolina. 211
and Epilepsies, the Heart is sometimes dryed and hung about
the Neck of Children for the same Disorders.
The Pelican in: Carolina is a large Water-Fowl, being five
Feet in length, from the point of the Bill to the end of the
Tail, and almost equal in bigness to a Swan. It has a long
thick Neck and Beak, and a great natural Wen or Pouch
under the Throat, in which it keeps it’s Prey of Fish, which
it lives upon. This Pouch it will sometimes contract and
draw up to the Bill, that it is scarce to be seen. It is a Web-
footed Fowl, like a Goose, but shaped more like a Duck, and
of a light grey Colour. The Flesh is seldom eaten, having a
strong fishy taste, and hard of digestion; but being well
boiled, maketh good Broth, and the Planters make handsom
Tobacco-Pouches of it’s Maw. They are plentifully to be met
with in the Winter Season, especially near the Sounds and
Sea Shoars. In Spring they go into the Woods to breed, and
return again in Autwmn. They have an odd kind of Note,
much like the Braying of an Ass, and are reported to live to
a great Age, viz. sixty Years or upwards. They are said to
be white in Guinea, and St. Jerom saith, that there are two
sorts of them in Egypt, viz. the Land and Water Pelican.
The Gall of this Bird cleanses Silver.
The Cormorants are the same as in Hurope, only those of
this Province are larger. They are as numerous all over
these Parts of America, as in any part of the World, espe-
cially at the run of the Herrings, which is in March and
April; at which time they are seen sitting upon the Sand
Banks, or Logs of Wood in the Rivers, and catch vast quanti-
ties of Fish, which is theireonly Food, and whereof they are
very ravenous and greedy. They lay their Eggs in the begin-
ning of the Spring, in the Islands, in the Sound, and near the
Sea
202 The Natural History
Sea Shoar in the Banks, and sometimes on high Trees, as the
Shags do; they are very strengthning to the Stomach, and
cure the Bloody Flux. The Flesh is black, and hard of diges-
tion, therefore seldom made use of.
The Shag is somewhat like the Cormorant, but much less;
it differs in the colour of the Belly, which in this is blackish,
in the other white. It swims in the Sea with its Head erect,
and it’s Body almost covered in the Water. It is so dextrous
in diving, that when a Gun is discharged at it, as soon as it
sees the Fire flash, immediately it pops under Water, so that
it is a hard matter to shoot them. I have never known or
heard of any Webb-footed Birds but this, and the Summer-
Ducks that sit upon Trees, and build their Nests in them.
The Flesh is black, ill-tasted, and hard of digestion, being
much of the same Nature with the Cormorant.
The Gannet is a very large white Fowl, having one part of
it’s Wings black. It lives on Fish, as the Pelican and Cormo-
rant do; it is reported, that their Fat or Grease (which is as
yellow as Saffron) is the best thing known to preserve Fire-
Arms from Rust. The Flesh is of a bad Taste, and scarcely
good for Food or Physick.
The Shear-Water, is a longer Fowl than a Duck, but has a
much smaller Body. They are of a brownish Colour, and for
the most part upon the Wing, like the Swallow: There are
vast Quantities of them on several parts of these Sea Coasts
(whilst others range the Seas all over) for they are some-
times met with five hundred Leagues from Land. I have
frequently observed them to strike down upon a Sea-rack, or
Weed that grows in the Gulf of Florida, which is plentifully
to be met with in these Seas. It hath many winding Stalks,
which
of North Carolina. 213
which appear like Coral, whereon grow short Branches, set
thick with narrow Leaves, amongst which are many round
Berries, without either Seeds or Grains in them. I have
often taken up of this Sea-wreck (which is a kind of narrow
leaf’d Sea-lentil) wherein I found several sorts of small Shell-
fish, which I am persuaded these Birds catch, and live upon.
And it is the Opinion of many in these Parts, that these
Birds never drink any Fresh Water, because they are never
seen any where near the Freshes, or Rivers. Their Flesh is
of an ill Scent, therefore not good to be eaten.
Thus have I finished the most exact Account that is yet
known of the BIRDS that are to be met with in North Caro-
lina ; though doubtless there are many more different species
of them, that we are entire Strangers to at present, which is
chiefly owing to the want of Encouragement to a select num-
ber of travelling Gentlemen, whose Observations might tend
to the Improvement of Natural Knowledge. For want of this,
we are rendered incapable of being so well acquainted with
this part of the World as the French and Spaniards are with
theirs, who generally send abroad in Company with the Mis-
sionaries some of their young Gentlemen, with handsome
Pensions for their support, who soon become acquainted with
the Savages of America, and their Languages. These Gentle-
men are likewise obliged to keep a strict Journal of all their
Passages, whereby many considerable Discoveries have been
made in a few Years. Such laudable Encouragements as
these, would undoubtedly breed an honorable Emulation
amongst the Gentlemen of our own Nation, to outdo one an-
other even in all manner of Fatigues and Dangers, to be
servicable to their King and Country. That Attempts of this
Nature
214 The Natural History
Nature may always be encouraged, I sincerely wish, for the
Honour and Grandure of the British Throne.
I shall in the next place proceed to give an Account of the
Inhabitants of the watry Elements, which at present can be
but very imperfectly treated of, for want of Fishermen, and
the fishing Trade going on in these Parts to perfection. Yet
IT am willing to satisfie the Curious with the best Account
that is in my power, and leave the rest to Time (which per-
fects all Things) to discover. The Fishes in the salt and
fresh Waters of Carolina, are as follows.
OF
aN
eee
nn
il
of North Carolina. als
OF THE FISH
OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
HE Whales differ from the /in-Fish in their Fins.
The Fin-Fish having a large Fin on the Back, where
the Whale has none, but he has two behind his Eyes,
covered with a thick black Skin, finely Marbled, with white
Stroaks, and the representation of Houses, Trees, ce. With
these two Fins and his Tail he swims and steers himself like a
Boat with Oars. The Head of this Monster is somewhat flat,
and slopes downwards like the Ridge of a House to the under
Lip, which is broader than any part of his Body, and broadest
in the middle behind the Bump, for between that and the Fins
are
216 The Natural History
are his Eyes, which are not much bigger than those of a Bul-
lock, with Kye-lids and Hair like Men’s. The Chrystal of the
Eye is not much bigger than a Pea, which in some is clear
and transparent, and in others of a white or yellowish Colour.
The Eyes lie low, almost at the end of the upper Lip. The
Head is the third part of the Fish, and in some more. Their
Lips are plain, somewhat bending like an S. and underneath
the Eyes, before the two Fins, they are smooth, jet black, and
round like the quarter of a Circle, but when they draw them
together, they lock in one another. Within the uppermost Lip
is contained the Whalebone, (and not in the Fins, as some
have imagined) which is of a brownish black and yellow
Colour, with streaks of several other Colours, but the Whale-
bone of the young ones, is generally Blue. The Whalebone
hangs down on both sides within the Mouth, all hairy lke a
Horses Tail, and in some it is bended like a Scymeter, and in
others like a half Moon. In one side, in a Row, there are
generally T'wo hundred and fifty Pieces of Whalebone, and as
many on the other, besides the small Bone, which is not re-
garded, because they cannot well come at it to cut it out. The
middlemost is the greatest, and is sometimes eighteen or nin-
teen Foot long. It lies in a flat row, one Piece by another,
and is broadest at the top, where it sticks to the upper Lip,
towards the Root it is covered with white Sinews, which when
boiled, smell pleasantly. There grows small Whalebone at
the Root of the greater, whereof they make Boxes, Handles
for Knives, walking Sticks, and the like.
The Tongue lies amongst the Whalebone, and is close fixed
to the upper Chop, which is very large and white, with black
Spots at the edges. It has a soft spungy Fat, and cannot be
easily cut, so that it is generally flung away, though it would
yield
of North Carolina. Zz
yield seven or eight Barrels of train Oil. Upon his Head
there is a Bump, and before his Eyes and Fins at the top of
this Bump on each side, there is a spout hole, bended like an S.
out of which he blows the Water so fiercely, that it roars like
a great Wind. Just before in the under Lip, there is a Cavity
or Hole, which fits the upper as exactly as a sheath does a
Knife, and through this hole he draws the Water he spouts
out; when he is wounded, his blowing resembles the roaring
of the Sea in a great Storm. Neither does he hear when he
spouts the Water, and is easiest struck at that time. The
Belly and Back are quite Red in some, but under the Belly
they are sometimes White, and some of them Coal Black.
They look very beautiful when the Sun shines on them, and
the small clear Waves over them, glitter like Silver. The
outward Skin is thin hke Parchment, and easily pulled off
when the Fish grows hot, which they frequently do by swim-
ing, and then they stink.
The Yard is a strong Sinew, and from six to eight Feet
long, and where the Yard is fixed, the Skin is doubled, so that
it lies like a Knife in a Sheath. The Pudenda of the Female
is shaped like that of a large four footed Beast. They have
Breasts, with Nipples at the sides of it, like those of a Cow.
When they couple together, they stand upright, with their
Heads out of the Water, but how long they carry their Young,
is uncertain. Neither are they ever observed to have more
than two young ones at a time. When they are brought forth,
they are as big as an Hogshead; they suck their Dams, whose
Milk is very white and sweet, but tastes Fishy. The Sperm,
when fresh smells like wheaten Flower boild in Water, and
may be drawn out in Threads like hot Sealing Wax or Glew;
when cold, it turns to a Musk colour, smells strong, and is to
Ee be
218 The Natural History
be kept sweet by no means. At certain Seasons there may be
whole Pails full of it taken out of the Water, for it swims
upon the Sea like Fat, as does that of the Sea-Horses and
Seals, the Sailors frequently make twisted Whips of the
Sinews of the Yard. The Bones are hard like those of a great
four-footed Beast, but porous like a Spunge, and filled with
Marrow, but when that is consumed, the Holes are as large
as those of a Honey-Comb. They have two large strong Bones
which hold up the under Lip, and they le opposite to each
other in form of an half Moon, some of which are twenty
Feet long of a side. The Flesh is course and hard, like that
of a Bull, mixed with many Sinews, and is very dry and lean
when boiled, because their Fat lies wholy betwixt the Flesh
and the Skin. When the Sailors have a mind to eat of it, they
eut great pieces off before the Tail, which is tenderest, and
boil it. Others report the Tongue to be good Food, and when-
ever they kill any of them eat part of it; some of the Flesh
looks green and blue like powdered Beef. The Fat is mixed
with Sinews, which hold the Oil, as a Spunge does Water:
The other strong Sinews are chiefly about the Tail, with which
he turns and winds himself, as a Rudder does a Ship. He
swims as swift as a Bird flies, and makes a track in the Sea
like a large Ship under sail. Their Tails do not stand up as
the Tails of most other Fishes do, but lie horizontally as those
of the Dolphin, and are from three to four Fathom broad.
The middling Whales are about fifty or sixty Feet long, and
commonly yield seventy, eighty, or ninty Barrels of Fat or
Oil. Besides the uppermost thin Skin, there is likewise an-
other about an Inch thick, and of the same colour with the
other, but both are so brittle, when dry that they are of no
value; and the softness of the Skin is reckoned to be the cause
why
of North Carolina. 219
why the Whale, though the strongest and biggest of Fishes in
the Water, cannot make much use of his strength. The Guts
are of a flesh Colour, and the Dung within them yellow: Their
Food is chiefly Sea-Snails, Herrings, and other small Fish;
when they see a Man or a Long Boat, they dive and run away ;
but if they are wounded, or in danger, they value a Man no
more than a Straw, and frequently beat the Long-Boat in
pieces, but great Ships are too many for them, for when they
strike against them with their Tails, they generally receive
more Damage than they give. They sometimes run away
with some thousand fathom of Rope-line (after they are
struck with the Harpoon or Sharp-lron, that is fixed to a
Stick, and resembles a Dart) a great deal swifter than a Ship
can sail, or a Bird flie, by which means the Lines are some-
times set on fire, when there is not proper Care taken to pre-
vent them, by constantly throwing Water on them as they run
out. They shift their Quarters, as is supposed, according to
the Seasons. They have Ailments as well as other Beasts, and
are strangely afflicted with Lice; they will sometimes leap
out of the Water, as if they were in an Agony. Before a Tem-
pest they beat the Water about with their Tails like Dust.
They are observed to have the greatest Strength when they
strike side-ways. If they escape, their Wounds are quickly
healed up, because of their Fat; but the Wound always leaves
a white Sear behind it.
These Monsters are very numerous on the Coasts of North-
Carolina, and the Bone and Oil would be a great Advantage
to the Inhabitants that live on the Sand-Banks along the
Ocean, if they were as dexterous and industrious in Fishing
for them as they are Northwards; but as I observed before,
the People in these parts are not very much given to Industry,
but wait upon Providence to throw those dead Monsters on
Ke: Shoar,
220 The Natural History
Shoar, which frequently happens to their great advantage and
Profit. For which Reason abundance of Inhabitants dwell
upon the Banks near the Sea for that Intent, and the benefit
of Wrecks of Vessels which are sometimes driven in upon
these Coasts. Not many Years ago there were two Boats that
came from the Northward to Ocacock Island, to fish, and ear-
ried away that Season Three Hundred and Forty Barrels of
Oil, beside the Bone, but these Fishermen going away with-
out paying the Tenths to the Governor, they never appeared
to fish on these Coasts afterwards, or any other that I ever
could hear of. I only mention this to shew with what Ad-
vantage the Fishing for Whales might be carried on here,
when only one Tryal carried off so rich and valuable a Cargoe.
There are four sorts of Whales in these parts: The first
is the Sperma-Ceti Whale, from whence the Sperma-Ceti is
taken, and is the most choice for its rich and valuable Com-
modities. These sort are sometimes found on this Coast, and
are a rich Prize to those that are so fortunate as to find them.
The other sorts are of a prodigious large size, and it is of these
the Bone and Oil are made, the Oil being only the Blubber
or Oily Flesh or Fat of this Fish boiled. These differ not
only in Colour, some being all White, others pied, and others
not, but likewise very much in Shape, one being called the
Bottle-Nose, and the other the Shovel-Nose, which is as dif-
ferent as a Salmon from a Sturgeon. .
These Fish are never found dead or floating to the Shoar
with their Tongues in their Heads, for it is the opinion of
many in these parts, that the Thrashers and Sword-Fish,
(which are mortal Enemies to the Whales where ever they
meet them) eat the Tongue out of their Head, as soon as they
have
of North Carolina. 224
have killed him; but whether this is done by the Fish above
mentioned, or by others of the same voracious Nature, I will
not take upon me to determine, but leave it to the determina-
tion of every judicious Reader.
There is another sort of these Whales, or great Fishes,
though not commonly found on these Coasts, and are con-
trary to all the others in shape, that were ever found in these
Parts, being about Sixty Feet in length, and not above four
Feet and a half Diameter; I never saw but one of them.
It is reported that some Indians in America will go out to
Sea and get on the Whale’s Back, and peg, and plug up his
Spouts, and so kill him, which I ean scarce believe, except
they have some secret Spell to make them stupid, to treat
them after that manner. It is very strange to see how they
will throw up the Water with their Spouts, by which means
they are seen or discovered at great distances. They cannot
abide long under Water for want of Air, which is common to
most large Fishes; so that they are frequently seen to rise
with their Heads and Backs above the surface of the Water,
and spouting it in the Air, after which it is said, they draw
in a sufficient quantity of Air necessary for their supporting
of Life. 3
The Crampois, is another large Fish, about twenty five or
thirty Feet long, and is accounted by many to be a young
Whale, by reason it has Spouts as the Whale has and pro-
duces as good Oil as the former.
The bottle-Noses, are another Species of large Fishes, be-
tween the Crampois and the Porpoise. They are to be met
with for the most part near the Soundings, and are never ob-
served to Swim leisurely, as sometimes other Fishes do, but
are continually in pursuit of their Prey, in great Shoals, like
wild
222 The Natural History
wild Horses, leaping now and then above the Water. Some
make use of them, and especially the French, who esteem them
good Food, and eat them both fresh and salt. These as well
as the Porpoise, are often heard to puff and blow very strong,
as they are Swimming.
I hope it will not be unpleasing to the Reader, to give an
Account what I saw done by these Fishes, viz. In our Pass-
age through Pamticoe Sound, we had very good Diversion
with them, which were in great Numbers about the Ship;
one of our Company shot amongst them, with a Brace of
Balls, and happened to wound one of them, which we could
plainly discover from some of it’s Blood in the Water, the
Weather being very calm; which was no sooner done, but all
the rest left us in pursuit of the one that was wounded, and
we could often see it leaping above the Water, for near half an
Hour, still striving to avoid the rest, ’till at last it was quite
spent, (as we supposed) for we could not perceive it any
longer leaping out of the Water. The Master of the Vessel
assured me, that the rest devoured it, which they always do
with those wounded, still pursuing the Blood, like a Pack of
Dogs after a Deer. They are very fat and produce good Oil.
The Porpoise, or Sea-hog, is large, being above four Feet
long and two and a half thick, the Figure is somewhat long
and round, continually tapering towards the Tail. It is eov-
ered with a slender thin Skin, of a blackish colour, and has
only three Fins like the Dolphin. It has a large Head, small
Hyes, and a forked Tail. They are frequently to be met with
all over the Ocean and Rivers that are salt. We have a fresh-
water Lake in the great Sound of North Carolina, that has
Porpoises in it, with several other sorts of unknown Fish (as
the Indians report) that we are intire Strangers to. As to the
Porpoises,
of North Carolina. 223
Porpoises, they are generally very fat, and make good Oil.
They prey on other Fish, such as Drums and Mullets, yet are
seldom or never known to take the Bait, so as to be catched
with a Hook. Some call these Herring Hogs, from their
feeding on those Fish, and their Flesh being so very fat, like
Pork. They are much fatter than a Dolphin, but not so good;
the Gentry bake it as Venison, but it is not pleasant Hood.
They are always approaching the Shoars in great Numbers
before Storms.
The Thrashers are likewise large, as | have been informed,
and one of the mortal Enemies that pursue and kill the
Whale, as I said before. They make good Oil, but are seldom
found in these Parts.
The Sword-Fish, or Saw-Fish, has a long broad Bone fixed
to his Nose, with sharp Teeth like a Saw, on each side of it.
It has two Fins on the Back, that next the Tail is hollow like
a Sickle. He has four underneath his Belly, viz. two on each
side. The Tail is like a piece of Board, painted behind and
underneath, but not divided, his Shape from Top to Tail, is
like a Man’s Arm. His Eyes stand high out of his Head; his
Nostrils are oblong, and his Mouth is directly under his Kyes.
They are from twelve to twenty Feet long, and are generally
very fat on the Back, almost like a Hog. They are mortal
Enemies to the Whale, about which they gather in great Num-
bers, and when they kill him, only eat out his Tongue, as is
supposed, and then the Whale floats to Shoar, which is an ex-
traordinary Prize to those that find him. They likewise joyn
with the Thrashers, to kill them, and it is reported that they
will singly attack a Whale. In calm Weather, the Fishers
lye by till they kill the Whale, and upon the approach of the
Boats, the Sword-Fish being frighted, retires. The Flesh is
dry
224 The Natural History
dry and solid, but it is said to nourish much, and as good as a
Sturgeon.
The Devil-Fish, so called, from the large pair of Horns it
has upon its Head, and as near as I could be informed; it is
shaped like a Scate or Stingray. It is of a monstrous large
Size and Strength, for it hath been known to weigh a Sloop’s
Anchor, and run away with the Vessel for a League or two,
and to bring her back again almost to the same Place, against
the Tide. This I have been informed of by several of the
most credible and substantial Planters in these parts; and
that this strange and wonderful Adventure has happened more
than once. They are in most of our Inlets, but I never heard
of any of them being killed or taken, therefore cannot inform
the Reader what Uses they are of, but doubtless they would
make good Oil as well as other large Fishes, if they could be
taken to make the Experiment.
The Shark, whereof there are two sorts. The first is called
the Paracoda-Noses, the other the Shovel-Noses: Both these
are very large, bold, voracious and dangerous Fishes, espe-
cially to those that have the misfortune to fall over board.
It is reported, that they will follow Ships for Hours together,
and if either Man or Dog, or any other living Animal happen
to fall into the Water, they immediately seize and snap in
two, having exceeding sharp, and several Rows of Teeth in
their Heads: Some of them are so large, that they are said to
weigh about four thousand Weight. They are easily caught
with a Bait, but can never take their Prey ’till they turn them-
selves on their Backs, wherefore some Negroes and others that
can swim and dive well, go naked into the Waters with a
Knife in their Hands, and fight them, and commonly kill, or
wound him, so that he turns Tail and runs away. Their
Flesh is eaten in time of scarcity, but is not very palatable,
having
of North Carolina. 225
having a strong fishy taste. Their Liver makes good Oil to
dress Leather with, and the Bones found in their Head, are
said to hasten the Birth, and ease the Stone, by bringing it
away. Their Back-bone is of one entire thickness, having
many Joints in it, whereof [ have known Buttons made by
the Sailors and others that live in those remote Places. (Gul-
lius says, that the People of Marseilles told him, that they
had caught one of them, in which they found a Man armed
with a Coat of Mail.
The following Relation, will in some measure corroborate
the former Account of the Negroes killing them: August
1730, a Sloop sailed from North Carolina, bound to the
Island in the West Indies, and after four Days sailing from
the Bar, was most unfortunately overset, and all the Crew, ex-
cept the Master, two Sailors, and one Negroe, were drowned,
these being upon Deck at the time when this misfortune hap-
pened, and had the good providence to get upon the Keel of the
Vessel, where they remained twenty one Days, and then were
taken up by a Vessel trading to Hurope ; having neither Water
or any other Necessaries to support Nature, but by Gods Proy-
idence, the Negroe killed a Shark, whereon they lived, and was
the only support they had during the said time, which was
confirmed by the Master in his Letter from London, to his
Friends in North Carolina.
The Pilot-Fish is of a deep Blue, and the Belly of a lighter
Colour than the Back or Sides. The Scales are smooth like a
Tench. It’s Back is speckled like a Seal-skin. When it is
swimming, it appears much like a Mackarel, and looks as if
it were painted Blue and White, like a Barbers Pole. It is
reported, that the Shark is always attended by one or two of
these Fishes, which he will not devour, though never so hun-
15 Ff ery,
226 The Natural History
gry, because they find out the Prey for him. They are reck-
oned exceeding good to eat.
The Dolphin, is a large Fish, not much unlike a Porpoise.
It has two strong Fins, which like the Arms of a Man, are
joined to the Shoulder-blades, and is said to be of that swift-
ness, that it will easily overtake a Ship in full sail before the
Wind. They generate like rational Animals, bringing forth
their Young alive, not from Spawn but Seed, and have but one
or two ata time. They go with young ten Months, breed only
in the Swmmer, and are said to live two or three hundred
Years. They sometimes swim in Shoals, and at other times
only the Male and Female together. It is reported that when
they are taken, they are observed to deplore their Condition
by Groans, Lamentations, and a flood of Tears. It is also said
to be a certain sign of a Storm shortly to follow, when they
are seen sporting, and frequently moving their Bodies in the
Water. They have a groaning Voice, sharp Sight, and are
said to be lovers of Musick and Men. There are great num-
bers of them to be met with in these Seas, and are said to live
out of the Water for two or three Days. They are much de-
ceived who imagine Dolphins to be of the Figure they are
usually represented on Signs; that Error being more owing
to Painters, than any such thing in Fact, for they are straight
and not crooked. Their Flesh is eaten by the Dutch, and is of
good Account amongst the French; though according to the
Accounts of some, it yields no very grateful Taste. The
Liver is of a tender Substance, and very nourishing, so is the
Tongue. The Bowels smell and taste like Violets, and help
the Spleen. The Ashes of the whole Fish applied with Water,
is good against the Tettars, Ring-worms, Scruff and Leprosie.
The
of North Carolina. Zo
The Flying-fish is slender and long, the Eyes large, and the
Tail forked. The Body is in shape like a Seal’s, and in
eolour like one of our Mullets. It has two large Fins near
the Head, which resembles a pair of Wings, one on the Back,
and two underneath the Belly, with these Fins, it flies near a
Gun-shot before it touches the Water, and when it hath wet
it’s Wings it will mount up again. They are constantly
chased by the Dolphins, which swim so fast, that they are
often catched by them as they drop into the Water. There are
vast Shoals of them in these Seas, and when they rise out of
the Water, at a distance, appear like a large flock of small
Birds.
The Dog-fish, is a small sort of the Shark kind, but seldom
exceeds twenty Pounds. They are frequently caught with
the Hook and Line when they fish for Drum. They have a
long tapering Body without Scales, but covered with a sharp
hard Skin, that is made use of to polish fine Wood. Their
Snout is a little long and round at the point, the Flesh is
white, of easy concoction, but of no pleasant Taste, and is
therefore best eaten with Mustard or some sharp Sauce.
They are very numerous in these Parts, but little regarded or
made use of, where there are so many delicate sorts to be had
in such plenty. The Fat of these Fish, and the Shark, have
much the same Virtues with the Alligator.
The Spanish Mackarel, they are in shape and colour like
the common Mackarel, only these are much thicker, and gener-
ally about two Feet long; there are vast numbers of them in
these Seas. They are caught with Hook and Line in the
Inlets, and sometimes a small distance out at Sea, being a
voracious Fish, greedily swallowing either Beat or Fish that
comes in their way. They are a very fine hard Fish, and of
good Taste. The Liver eaten, helps Obstruction of the Liver
and Jaundice.
Ff: The
228 The Natural History
The Cavallies are about the bigness of a Mackarel, the
Fins and Tail are partly like a Dolphins. They have large
Eyes, and are of a brownish colour on their Backs, and their
Bellies white; they have exceeding small Scales, and a very
thick Skin. They are taken in the same places with the
Spanish-Mackarel, and are one of the firmest Fishes known
in these parts, and will therefore keep sweet (in the extremity
of the hot Weather) two or three Days without Salt, when
others will Stink in half a Day, if not Salted. Those that
catch them, immediately take off their Scales, otherwise you
must pull off the Skin and Scales when boiled; the Skin being
the choicest part of the Fish. Their Meat is exceeding White,
and very relishing when it is well Drest.
The Boneto’s are very fine and palatable Fishes, and gen-
erally about a Yard long. .They most commonly frequent
the Inlets and Waters near the Ocean, and are kill’d with the
Harpoon and Fish-gig, but seldom or never with the Hook
and Line, though they are very plenty in several places on
this Coast.
The Blue-Fish, so call’d, from their being of that colour,
they are accounted one of the best sort of Fishes in these
parts, being very fat. They have a forked Tail, and are
partly shaped like a Dolphin. They are as large and as long
as a Salmon, and as good. They come to these Coasts in the
fall of the Year, and after there has been one black Frost, in
great Shoals, so that the Indians and others who wade into the
Waters strike and kill vast Numbers of them with their ish-
gigs. Sometimes many Cart loads of them are found dead
and left dry on the Sea Shore; which is occasioned for the
most part by their eager pursuit after the small Fish; by
which means they and several other Fishes run themselves on
Shoar, and the Tides leaving them on the dry Sands they
cannot
of North Carolina. 229
cannot recover the Water again and so dye; wherefore those
that are disposed to get up early before the Fowl come to
prey, may get what quantities they please of several sorts of
Fishes all along these coasts. And notwithstanding these
Blue-fish are accounted so extraordinary good, yet they some-
times occasion Sickness after eating them, viz. violent heats all
over the Body with Shiverings, Head-ach, and the like, which
is chiefly owing to the Gall being broke in some of them,
which is very hurtful, as I found by giving it to a Dog.
The Drum-fish, whereof there are two sorts, viz. the Red
and the Black. The Red is a large scaly Fish, much bigger
than the Blue-fish, some of them being above four Feet long;
the Body is excellent firm Meat, and extraordinary good
nourishment; their Heads exceed in goodness all the Fish in
these parts, being the most delicious Dish I ever met with.
There are greater numbers of them to be met with in Caro-
lina, than any other sort of Fish. Those that are disposed to
fish for them, especially every new Flood, catch as many Bar-
rels full as they please, with Hook and Line, for at that time
they will catch them as fast as they can throw their Bait into
the Water, which is generally a soft Crab, and so Salt them
up and Transport them to other parts that are scarce of Pro-
visions.
The Black-Drums are a thicker made Fish, and much fat-
ter than the former; they are an excellent good Fish, but not
so common here, as they are in the more Northerly parts of
this Continent, they are taken after the same manner with the
former, viz. with Hook and Line.
The Angel-fish, so called from it’s beautiful Golden Colour,
that shines all about it’s Head and Belly; it is in shape ex-
actly like the Bream, and is very good to eat. The same sort
of
230 The Natural History
of Fish is plentifully to be met with all along the Coast of
Bermudas, and is very much esteemed by the Inhabitants of
that Island.
The Bass, or Rock-fish, are to be met with both in the salt
and fresh Water; when they are young they very much re-
semble a Grey-Ling, but they grow to the size of the large
Cod-fish. They are a good, firm, and well tasted Fish, and
are in great plenty in these parts; they are good Food, espe-
cially the Heads of the large ones soused, make a choice Dish.
The Mullets are the same as with us in size and goodness,
and are in greater plenty here, than in most parts of Hurope,
especially where the Waters are salt and brackish. They are
killed by striking them with the Mish-gig, or caught in Nets,
for they seldom or never take the Bait. I have frequently
known them at Night-time, to leap into the Cannoes, and
likewise vast numbers of them to be found dead on the dry
Sands or Shoars. They are much of the Nature of the Puke.
They strengthen the Stomach, and are good against the Chol-
ick, &c.
The Sheeps-head, is a Fish, so called, from it’s having
Teeth in it’s Head like a Sheep. It is much about the bigness
of the Angel-fish, and partly shaped like him, being flat. It
has the vogue of being one of the choicest Fishes in this Prov-
ince: Most certainly it is a delicate Fish, and well relished,
yet I think there are many others as good. It is taken with
the Hook and Line as the Drum. They are plenty in all our
Salt-water Rivers and Inlets, and generally weigh two to
three Pounds, and sometimes more.
The Plaice are here very large and plenty, being the same
as with us in Hurope, they are of good nourishment, but more
watry than Soals. The best Plaice have the blackest Spots,
as the best Flounders have the reddest.
The
of North Carolina. 231
The Soals are found here, but not in such plenty as gener-
ally other Fish are, but are as good and as sweet here, as in
any part of Hurope. They are of the nature of the Plaice and
Flounder, but a much better Fish, being more firm and solid,
and afford more plenty of nourishment. The Indians and
others kill vast quantities of these two sorts, and the /lound-
ers, with their Mish-gigs, especially in the dark Nights, when
the Weather is calm, with Lights.
The Shads are the same here as in Hurope ; they are pleas-
ant, sweet, and nourishing, but are full of Bones, that it is
dangerous to eat them without great care. They are to be
met with in great plenty at some Seasons. They are said to
be something Hypnotick in their Nature.
The Fat-backs, are so called, from being one of the fattest
Fishes ever yet known, for when they are fryed in a Pan,
they neither use Oil or Butter for that purpose. They are
hike the Mullet, but not so large, they are an excellent sweet
Fish, eat well, and are very nourishing.
The Guar, or Guard-fish, whereof there are two sorts, viz.
the White and the Green. The White is shaped almost like
a Pike, but more slender. It’s Mouth has a long small Bill,
set with very sharp Teeth with which it catches it’s prey
which are several sorts of fry and small Fishes. They have
strong large Seales so firmly knit together, that it is a hard
matter to pierce through them with the sharpest Knife.
When they dress them, they slit the Belly, where the Scales
are not so strong or Armor-like, and take off their Skin,
which they throw away as useless. The Meat is white and
firm, and looks rather like Flesh than Fish. It is but very
indifferent and course Food, therefore not much coveted by
the Planters, though the Indians are very fond of them. The
Gall
232 _ The Natural History
Gall is very Green, and a most violent Cathartick if taken
inwardly.
The Green-gquard, is shaped in all respects like the other,
only it is not so large, and it’s Seales are Finer. The upper
Jaw is the same as in the Alligator, moveable. It’s Bones
when fry’d or broyl’d, remain as green as Grass, though the
Meat be of a white colour, and is but indifferent Food. The
same sort of Fish is generally to be met with on the Coasts of
Ireland, before the Season of the Mackarel, and seldom after-
wards.
The Scate, or Stingre, is altogether of the nature of the
Thornback, but stronger. They are the same here as are to
be met with in several parts of Hurope, and are very common ;
but the great plenty of other good Fish makes them little re-
garded, for few or none eat them in this Province (except the
Negroes and Indians) though they are at every Planter’s
Door, as far as the salt Waters are. The Skin is used to pol-
ish /vory, and fine Wood; it is said that they couple with the
Thornback, and grow till they weigh One hundred and Sixty
Pounds. The Oil of the Liver is good in hard Swellings, and
the Ashes of the Skin help running Ulcers of the Head and
Baldness.
The Thornbacks are the same here as in Hurope, but not
so plenty as the Scate and Whip-Rays. Their Flesh is moist,
nourishes much, and restores in long and deep Consumptions,
the Liver is sweet, and has the same virtues. The Gall cures
Diseases of the Ears and Itch.
The Conger, or great Sea-Hel, always remains in the Salt
Waters, it is white, fat, and sweet Flesh, which nourishes to
excess, and is dangerous because of Surfeits: They are best
when first boiled in Water, Salt, Sweet-Herbs, and Spices,
then Broiled, or Collared, and then they are exceeding good
Meat.
of North Carolina. | 233
“wy
Meat. These kind of Fish are better known to the North-
ward of America, than in this Province.
The Lamprey, 6r Latpron, is not common in these Parts
but plenty to the Northward. They are best in March and
April, being then fattest; in Swmmer they are harder and
leaner. They are about a Yard long, live in the Sea in
Rocky places, and in the Mouths of Rivers, and weigh about
twelve pound Weight: They eat Flesh, and when taken, are
said to fly at the Fishers, and to be an Enemy to the Conger.
They are sometimes taken in the Fish Wairs, but the Indians
cannot endure them, neither will they eat them, though they
are fond of most other sorts of Fish found in these Parts.
Pliny reporteth, that they Spawn at all times of the Year,
whereas all other Fish have certain Seasons. The Flesh is
sweet and of good Nourishment, yet it is apt to cause Surfeits
like the former, with which it agrees in Nature and Virtues.
The Hels are plenty in all our Rivers, and eat as well as in
any part of the World. Their Flesh is very sweet, and yields
much Nourishment, but apt to surfeit if much eaten. The
Fat is good against blows and discolouring of the Skin, dropt
into the Ears, helps old Pains and Deafness. The Gall is
excellent against Suffusions of the Eyes, and the Blood warm
with Wine helps the Cholick.
The Sun-Fish is very fat and rounder than a Bream, it’s
hinder part is invironed with a Cireular Fin, which serves
instead of a Tail, so that it may seem to be but the Head of a
Fish, or a Fish in part rather than a whole one. They are
plenty in these parts of America, and sometimes weigh a hun-
dred Weight; they are commonly two or three Feet in length,
they have no Seales, but are covered with a hard thick and
Gg sharp
234 The Natural History
sharp Skin, the colour whereof on the Back is black, and on
the Belly a light silver grey. They are extreamly well tasted,
therefore in great Esteem amongst the Inhabitants.
The Toad-Fish, or rather the Sea Urchin, because they are
nothing but a Skin full of Prickles, and very few Bones.
They are as ugly as a Toad, and of no manner of Use only
to be preserved and hung up in Grottos to look at. Their
manner of swimming is to rowl and tumble round like a Ball.
The Sea Tench is of a blackish colour, but exactly in shape
like a Tench, except in the back Fins, which are like those of
a Perch. They are as good if not better than the fresh-water
Tench ; they are taken by Angling with Hook and Line as the
Drum and Pearch, near the Inlets, or a small distance out at
Sea, where they are in great Plenty.
The Salt-Water Trouts, commonly called the White Trouts,
are exactly shaped like the T’routs with us, only these have
blackish and not Red Spots. They are in great plenty in the
Sounds, near the Inlets, and Salt Waters; but they are not
red within like some Trouts. They are excellent good, but
so tender, that if they are in or near the fresh Waters, and a
sudden Frost come on, they are so benumb’d, that they float
as dead on the surface of the Water, at which Season they
take Cannoes full of them, yet notwithstanding they are thus
benumb’d they will recover again by the heat of the Sun, or
put them into warm Water they will become brisk and lively.
They are taken with the Bait, in or near the Salt Waters.
The Crocus, so called, from the croaking Noise it makes in
ones Hand when it is taken with the Hook and Bait. They
are in shape like a Perch, and in taste like a Whiteing, and
are very plenty.
The
of North Carolina. 230
The Smelts, are the same here as I have observed in several
parts of Hurope. They are about eight or nine Inches long,
and one broad; they smell like Violets, and are of the finest,
lightest, softest, and best Juice, of most other Fish, especially
in the Winter, and when full of Spawn. They lye down a
great way in the Sound towards the Ocean, where they are
very plenty, and vast numbers of them are taken at certain
Seasons of the Year.
The Sea-Bream is thin, broad, and flat, exactly resembling
our Fresh-water Bream; though there hath not been any such
Fish discovered yet in the fresh Waters of Carolina, that I
could ever learn. Their Flesh is white and solid, of good
Juice and Nourishment, and easy of Digestion. They are
very plenty in the Sound and Salt-Water.
The Taylor is about the bigness of a middling T’rout, but
of a blueish and green Colour, with a forked Tail like a
Mackarel. They are excellent fine and delicious, Fishes,
very plenty in the salt and brackish Waters, where they are
caught with the Bait.
The Herrings are not quite so large as those with us in
Treland, and other parts of Hurope. They come in such great
Shoals to Spawn in the Months of March and April, that I
have seen the Christian Inhabitants catch as many Barrels
full as they pleased, or as long as their Salt lasted to preserve
them, with Sieves and Shovels, instead of Nets; for at that
Season they run up the Creeks and small Rivulets of Water
in such Numbers, that the Bears take them out of the Water,
as I have observed elsewhere. When they are fresh their
Flesh is very white and more delicious than the Herring with
us in Hurope, but when they are Salted they become red, and
if drest with Oil and Vinegar resemble an Anchovy very
Gg: much,
23641)" The Natural History
much, being far beyond any I have ever met with in Hurope,
when well Pickled, but if those Fish are eaten too greedily
whilst fresh, are apt to breed Feavers. The Planters export
several Barrels from hence to the Islands in the West-Indies
and other parts that are scarce of Provisions.
THUS If have given you the most exact and Impartial ac-
count of the Salt-water Fish that came to my knowledge dur-
ing my stay in those parts, though I have eat of several other
sorts of Fish which I have omitted by reason that they are
not distinguished by any certain English Names, that I cou’d
learn, yet the Indians are well acquainted with them and
have very uncouth Names for, which no doubt the Christians
in time will discover, especially when this Colony is better
inhabited and the Fishing Trade is well carry’d on. I shall
therefore proceed to give an account of the FISH that are to
be met with in the fresh Waters.
The Sturgeon is the first of these whereof we have great
plenty, all the fresh parts of our Rivers being well stored
with them. The upper parts of this fish are of a sordid Olive
Colour, or betwixt a grey and a black: The Belly of a Silver
Colour. They have a midling Head; very small Eyes, for
the bulk of the Fish. The Snout is long, broad and sharp,
and the Mouth without Teeth, they have no Chops, from
whence it appears that they feed by sucking. They are a
large Fish with a long Body, sixteen Fins and five rows of
Scales; two on each side, and one on the back: The Scales
of the upper row which are in the middle of the Back, being
greater than the rest, rise higher; of these there are no cer-
tain Number; for it has been observed that some have Eleven
some Twelve and others Thirteen; this row is extended from
the
of North Carolina. ees 7:
the Head to the fin of the Back near the Tail. The Rows
on the sides extend from the Head to the very Tail; made
up with about thirty sharp Thorns or Prickles. The lower
row which begin at the first pair of the Fins and end at the
second, are each made up of Eleven, Twelve or Thirteen; all
the Scales of the rows in general, have on their Tops strong
sharp Prickles bending backwards. LBesides these five rows,
they have only two Seales in the middle of the Belly, the
rest of the Belly being smooth. They have a large forked
Tail like that of the Shark’s, the upper part whereof shoots
out beyond the lower a considerable way. These Fishes
sometimes frequent the Salt Waters like the Salmon, but
come to their greatest perfection in the Rivers, where they
are found twelve or fourteen Feet long, but those in the Sea
seldom exceed above a Foot and a half. They always are
observed to swim fastest against the Stream, and grow till
they weigh above two hundred pound Weight. In the Month
of May (at which time they are best in Season especially the
Females) they run up towards the Heads of the Rivers to
Spawn, where you shall see vast quantities of them in a Day
and especially before Rain, leaping at a great height out of
the Water. The Indians kill great Numbers of them with
their Fish-gigs and Nets, which they make and fix at the
ends of long Poles; for they are seldom or never taken with
Hooks. The Indians that live up towards the Heads of the
Rivers are fond of them, and frequently eat them, but those
near the salts and Christians will not make any use of them.
Their Bones serve indifferently for Rasps or Graters to grate
Nut-megs, Bread, and the like withall. The Sturgeon is an
excellent Fish when in Season, being strengthning, and is
esteemed as good as Veal, if not better; of their Eggs or
Spawn is made the Caviary so much esteemed amongst the
Quality.
238 The Natural History
Quality. The Liver is so sweet, that without some of the
Gall, it causeth loathing. The Flesh is good against hoars-
ness and clears the Voice, the Fat cures the Kibes, and the
Bones help the running Gout.
The Jack, Pike, or Pickerel, of these we have two sorts
(one living in the fresh, and the other in the Salt Water)
and are exactly of the same shape with those in Hurope, but
differ very much in size, for they are seldom found in these
parts of America, above two Foot long, as far as I have yet
seen. They are very plenty with us in this Province, all the
fresh Water Rivers and Creeks abounding with them, and
vast quantities are frequently taken in their Wairs at a time.
The Flesh of this Fish is whiter and more excellent than that
of the Carp, and is so harmless that it may be given to sick
Persons. The Spawn or Row provoke both Vomit and Stool,
and several other virtues are ascribed to them. ‘Those of
the Sea are a more delicate and better Fish than those of the
fresh Water. They are said to live above two hundred Years,
and that from their greediness of eating, they will often dis-
gorge their Stomach of those Fishes they had taken in, and
that they will sometimes swallow a Fish near as large as
themselves, taking the Head in formost, the Tail hanging
out of the Mouth, and so draw it in by little and little, till
they compass the whole.
The T'routs are the same in Carolina as with us; but are
not to be met with till you come up to the Heads of the
Rivers, and where the Streams are swift and have Stony
and gravelly Bottoms. These Fishes are equal in goodness
to any Fish that live in the fresh Waters. The fat is very
good for the Hemorrhoids and clefts in the Fundament.
The Gudgeons, there are the same sorts found here, as in
several parts of Hurope, they are of the nature of the Perch,
and
of North Carolina. 239
and the whitest is the best, they are good pleasant food
and of easy digestion, nourishing much, and increasing good
Blood, and are good against the Cholick arising from cold or
Tartarous humours, they help the Bloody flux, and other
fluxes of the Belly, and being applied help the biting of Mad-
dogs and Serpents.
The Perch whereof we have five sorts in Carolina. The
ee
first is the same as is to be met with in Hurope, but is not
quite so large. They are an excellent Fish and very whol-
som, and good against Fevers, and the Stones in their Heads
near the Back bone are accounted good against the Stone in
the Reins.
The second sort of Perch is call’d the white Perch because
it is of a Silver colour otherwise it is like the former or
English Perch in shape and size. These are in very great
plenty and preferable to the red ones in goodness.
The third sort which are commonly call’d Welch-men, are
of a Brown colour and are the largest sort of Perches we
have in these parts, some growing to be larger than any Carp,
and are a very firm white and sweet Fish, and are very plenty
in the Rivers and Creeks.
The fourth sort are vulgarly eall’d Irish-men, these are a
more flat Fish than any of the former, and much resembling
a Bream, being all over freckled or mottled with Black and
Blue spots, they are a very good Fish and are never taken
any where but in the fresh Waters where they are very plenty.
The fifth sort are distinguished by the Name of round
Robins and are the least sort of all, they are flat and very
round shaped like a Roach, are beautifully mottled with red
spots, and are as good Meat as any of the former, they are
very easily taken with a Bait, as all the rest of the Perches
are and are very numerous, each Creek and River of fresh
Water abounding with them.
The
240 The Natural History
The Roach is here Likewise but is not as large as those in
Europe. It is a good Fish but its being so full of small
Bones makes it dangerous and Little regarded. It is re-
ported to be a healthful Fish and not Subject to any diseases,
whence comes the Proverb as sound as a Roach. The Flesh
is said to excite Lust and cure Fevers.
The Carp is the same as in Hurope but is not quite so large.
It has a short Head without either Teeth or Tongue, but
instead thereof a fleshy Palate that it may relish its food.
The Fins are broad, the Tail forked and the Body covered
with very large strong Scales. Its flesh is fat, soft, sweet,
and nourishes very much, and is best in March, the Male be-
ing better than the Female, and the White than the Yellow.
The fat cures diseases of the Nerves, the Stones about the Eyes
are said to be good against the heat of Fevers, and likewise
for the falling Sickness, and the Gall helps dimness of sight.
The Dace is the same here as in Hurope, but is not so large
or plentiful as with us. The flesh is soft, sweet in taste, and
of good nourishment; and when pickled like Anchovies after
the Italian manner, is Stomachical. They are best in Feb-
ruary, March and April, and are excellent good food roasted
and seasoned with Salt and Pepper. The fat helps pains in
the Ears. The Gall mixt with the fat or Oil is good against
Dimness of the Sight.
The Flounders are here in very great plenty and as large
and good as any in Hurope. Some of these Fish have Yel-
lowish spots both on the Back and fins, and taste very much
like a Plaise. The Indians and others kill vast quantities
of them not only with the Bait but likewise with their Pish-
gigs, especially with Lights at Night. They are an excellent
Fish and of good Nourishment, strengthen the Stomach,
cause Appetite and help the Spleen.
The
of North Carolina. 241
The Loche is the same here as in Hurope. The Flesh is
very light and excellent nourishment, delicate in taste, whol-
some, and good for Women with Child.
The Sucking-Fish are nearest in taste to a Barble, only
they have no Barbs, they are about a Foot and a half long,
and are a very soft and flabby Fish, and therefore are seldom
or never made use of except by the Negroes and Indians, they
are generally taken with the Bait and are very plenty in our
Rivers and Creeks.
The Cat-Fish, so call’d, from the Whiskers or small fins
they have about their Mouths. They are nearest in taste to
Eels of any Fish I have ever met with. They are generally
boild and made into Soop or Broath, which is the best way
of dressing them. They are an excellent good Fish and
nourish very much. There is another kind of Cat-fish which
frequents the Salt Waters exactly like the former, both these
sorts are very plenty in these parts, and are taken by angling
with a Bait. They are a round blackish Fish with a great
flat Head and wide Mouth, and like the Hels have no Scales.
The Grindal, are a long scaled Fish with small Eyes, and
frequent Ponds, Lakes, and slow running Creeks and Swamps,
but a very indiffrent soft fish, therefore not much coveted
or made use of except by the Negroes or Indians, though
some eat them, and report they are good Fish.
The Old-wives, these are bright scaly Fish which frequent
the Swamps and fresh runs of Water, they have very small
Mouths and large Eyes, with a great Fin on their Back, they
seem to be between an Huropean Roach and a Bream, and
eat much like the latter, they are in great plenty up the
Freshes. The Indians take abundance of these Fish and
Barbakue them till they are Crisp, and so Transport them
on wooden Hurdles to their Towns and Quarters.
16 Hh The
242 The Natural History
The Fountain-fish, so call’d, from its frequenting the
Fountains and clear running Streams of Water, where they
breed and are to be met with and no where else. They are
of a whitish colour and as large as a midling Trout, and by
the clearness of the Water are very difficult to be taken, there-
fore I can’t inform you how good they are, having never
tasted any of them, but the /ndzans say they are a fine fish.
The Barbouts, or Miller’s-Thumb, are the very same here
as those in Hngland and other parts of Hurope. They are
about three or four Inches long, have no Scales, and the Back
is Yellowish with a few little black Spots. The head is
large, and the Mouth wide and round. Out of the Fins grow
several sharp prickles or Thornes, especially in those near
the Head. These fish are very plenty in Rivers and Creeks
near the Sea Shoar where they feed on watry Insects.
This is the best Account I can give, or is yet known of the
FISHES in the fresh Waters, few more being discovered,
though I am satisfied, and may with Justice and safety say,
that there is not one third part of them yet discovered, or
made known to us, therefore shall omit many strange and
uncouth shapes and sort of Fishes which we are told by the
Indians, are to be found in the Rivers and Lakes, whereof I
can give no certain Information to my Readers, having no
farther account of them than only hearsay from those Peo-
ple, so shall proceed to treat of the Shell-fish which are found
in the Salt Waters, as far as they are yet discovered.
The OYSTERS, whereof there are two Sorts, the great
and the small, both these are in greater plenty here than
in
of North Carolina. 243
in most parts of the known World, for great Numbers of
them are to be found in almost every Creek and Gut of Salt
Water, and frequently hanging upon Boughs of Trees, as
they bend into the Water, so that when the Tide is out you
shall see them suspended in the Air, which would be a very
uncommon sight in Ireland, to see Fish growing upon Trees.
In the sound in several places there are such quantities of
large Oyster-banks, that they are very troublesome to Vessels
trading to these parts which happen to come in amongst them.
They are of a different shape, from those with us, for those
in Carolina are very long and large, and not round as ours
are. They are excellent good, and nourish as much as any
Fish whatever, and that without any manner of danger of
Surfeiting. They strengthen the Stomach, cause an Appe-
tite, and breed good Juices, being light and easy of digestion,
and are good in Consumptions and several other disorders.
These Oysters, pickled, are well relished, excellent good
for a Cold raw and squasy Stomach. The Shells in Powder
cure Heartburnings, are good in Feavers and the like, and
are the only Lime we have for building in this Country.
The Spanish-Oysters, are so call’d, from their great plenty
in the Spanish West-Indies; they have a very thin Shell, and
rough on the outside. They are excellent good Shell-fish,
and so large that half a Dozen are sufficient to satisfie a hun-
gry Stomach. From these Oysters come the Pearls that are
so useful in Physick and so Ornamental.
The Cockles, whereof there are two sorts, the larger and
the smaller, and first, the large Cockles are so very big that
one of them is as large as five or six of those in Ireland.
They are so very plenty in several parts, that they are often
thrown upon the Sands on the sound side, where the Gulls
Hh: eM 00
244 The Natural History
and other Birds are always ready to open and eat them.
These as well as the former are great Strengtheners of the
Stomach, and increase a good Appetite, provoke Urine, help
the Cholick, restore in Consumptions, and in all decays of
nature are very good.
The Small Cockles are about the bigness of our largest
Cockle, and differ in nothing from them except in the Shells
which are striped cross-ways, as well as long-ways, they are
as good, and have the same virtues with the former.
The Clams are a kind of Cockles, only differing in the
Shells, which are thicker, and not streaked or ribbed as the
Cockles are. 'They are plenty in several places along the
Sound-side, and Salt-water Ponds. They are very good
Pickled, and their Meat tastes like other Cockles ; they make
excellent strong Broth, which strengthens the Stomach, is
nourishing, breeds good Juices, is a Restorative in Consump-
tions, and other natural Decays.
The Conchs, some of these are very large, but the lesser
sort are the best Meat; and that, in my Opinion, not extraor-
dinary, notwithstanding several in these parts are fond of
them, and extol them very much: The Fish within their
Shells is shaped exactly like a Horse’s Yard; of this Shell
the Indians make their Peak, or Wampum, which is the rich-
est, and most valuable Commodity they have amongst them.
They breed in a kind of Substance shaped like a Snake,
which contains a sort of Joints, in the hollowness whereof
are thousands of small Conchs, no bigger than small Grains
of Pepper. They are plenty along the sides of the Sounds
and Salt-waters, but are not as large here as those found in
the Islands in the West-Indies.
The Musles are much larger than those with us, their Shells
being thicker, larger, and striped with Dents: they grow
by
of North Carolina. 245
by the sides of Ponds, and Creeks of Salt-waters, where may
be had what quantity they please. They are very apt to
give Surfeits, yet there are those who are fond of them, and
prefer them to Oysters. Some boyl them, whereof they make
Broth (which is the best way of dressing them) which is
nourishing and purgeth the Reins, therefore good for those
that have the Dropsie, Jaundice, Stone or Gout. They also
eat well when they are Pickled.
The Whale-Louse. Their Head is like that of a Louse,
with four Horns; the two short ones that stand out before
have Knobs like the Sticks of Kettle-Drums. They have six
plates on their Backs, and their Scales as hard as Prauns.
Their foremost Legs are in shape like a half Moon, with
sharp points, by which they fasten in the Skin of the Whale,
and then bite pieces out of them. The Whales are mostly
annoyed with them in warm Weather, and frequently at that
time leap to some height out of the Waters in a rage.
There is a little small Fish in the fresh Waters in Ireland,
something like the former, but has no Scales, which is very
troublesome to the Pike, but whether it molests any other
Fish, I cannot inform the Reader; but I have known the
Pike to leap out of the Water upon dry Land with one of
these sticking fast to his Belly; I have also been assured
by those that fish, and dwell near the Rivers, that one of
these will kill the largest Pike, by cutting a hole in his Belly.
The Crabs whereof there are two sorts, viz, the large stone
Crab and the small flat Crab. The large stone Crabs are the
same in Carolina as with us in Ireland, having black tips on
the ends of their Claws, these sorts are plentifully to be met
with near Ceder-Island, Core Sound and the south parts of
this Province. The whole Crab is excellent against all sorts
of
246 The Natural History
of Fevers, Consumptions, Hecticks, Asthmas, the Stone in
the Reins and Bladder, pains and Stopage of Urine, and
many other disorders.
The smaller or flat Crab, in North Carolina is one of the
sweetest and best relished of any of that species I ever met
with in any part of Hurope, when they are boyled their flesh
is very red and preferable in goodness to any Lobster, they
are as large as a Man’s Hand, or rather larger. These are
innumerable, lying in great quantities all over the Salts; I
have known the little Boys take Bushels full of them in a few
Hours. They are taken, not only to be eaten, but are one of
the best Baits for all manner of Fish that take the Hook.
They are very mischievous to those that set Night Hooks to
catch Fish, for they generally take away all the Bait; both
these sorts cast their Shells every Year, at which time they
‘ make Holes in the Sand, and cover themselves, or those with
hard Shells lye on them ’till their Shells harden, otherwise
they would be destroyed by other Fish. ‘These sort have the
same Virtues with the former.
The fiddlers, are a sort of small Crab that lie in Holes in
low, wet, and marshy Ground. The Facoons are very fond
of them, hunt for them in those places, and eat them. I
never knew any of them eat by the Christians, so cannot
inform you whether they are good or no.
The Runners or Spirits, so called, because they are apt to
pinch and bite Peoples Legs in the Night, as they walk near
the Shoar, and likewise from their running so fast. They
area kind of a whitish Crab, and though they are so small,
they will run as fast as a Man; and are good for nothing but
to look at. They live chiefly on the Sand Breaches, where
they have their Holes. But will frequently run into the Sea
when
of North Carolina. 247
when pursued. I take this to be the Hippwe, or Hippeis,
represented by Pliny.
The Soldier, is a kind of Shellfish, so called, but for what
reason I know not, except it be for their often changing their
Houses, or Quarters, from one hollow Conch shell to another ;
for they are observed to be still changing their Habitations
as they grow larger, having no Shell of their own. They
have Claws like a Crab, and may be reckoned a Species of
them, but of the smallest kind. They are good when well
dressed, very nourishing, and create a good Appetite.
The Wilks, or Periwinkle, are not so large as they are in
many parts of Hurope, but as sweet and good, or rather bet-
ter, being good Food and Nourishment; they are restorative
in Consumptions and Hecticks, being sodden in their own
Sea-water, or boiled in Milk.
The Skallops are pretty good, if well dressed, but if only
roasted, without any other Addition, are too luscious to be
made use of, and are apt to surfeit, but otherwise they are
nourishing, and comfortable to the Stomach.
The Man of Noses are Shell-fish, commonly found in these
parts, and are much valued and esteemed for increasing
vigour in Men, and preventing barreness in Women, which is
a thing seldom attends the Females here; for generally they
are fruitful enough, without the benefit of these Fishes. But
most certain it is, that they are very nourishing, and create
good Juice in the Blood.
The Flatings so called from their flat shape. They are
inclosed in a broad thin Shell, the whole fish being flat. They
are a very good and delicious Fish and inferior to no Shell-
fish this Country affords.
The Sea Snail Horn is exactly shaped like as other Snail
Horns are. They are a large and very good Shell-Fish and
their
248 The Natural History
their Meat is very nourishing and communicates good Juices
to the Blood.
The Hinger-fish, so called, from their being about the
length of a Man’s Finger, they are very plenty in this Proy-
ince, but generally lye at the bottom of the Waters about one
or two feet deep, and are an extraordinary good Shell-Fish.
The Shrimps are very plentiful in North Carolina, and
vast quantities of them are taken by the Boys and Girls with
a small bow Net. They are very restorative and good in
Consumptions, Hecticks and Asthmas, and are an excellent
good Bait to catch Mullets, Pikes, and several other sorts of
Fish that are caught by angling with the Bait.
The Sea-Nettles (by some called Carvels) whereof there
are great plenty in the Western-Seas and Salt Waters on the
coast of America. They seem to be nothing else but Slime,
or a lump of Jelly, with a cast of red, blue and green colours
in it, they Swim like a Bladder above the Water, but down-
wards there are long Fibrous Strings, some of which are near
half a Yard long; some will have this Jelly to be a sort of
Sea-plant, and the Strings its roots growing in the Sea as
Duck-weed does in Ponds, but the Query is, if they be not a
certain Species of Spawn for when they are taken out of the
Water, or any thing touches them (though they scarce seem
to have Life) yet they will very suddenly change their col-
ours, which they quickly recover again. They may be reck-
oned amongst Potential Cauteries, because they are apt to
blister the Hands or any other part of the Skin (like Nettles)
where ever they touch. I am persuaded that they are of
so venemous a Nature that few Fish prey upon them, other-
wise they wou’d not be so numerous as they are, notwithstand-
ing I have known some of them taken out of the Guts of the
Hawks-billed
of North Carolina. 249
Hawks-billed Turtle. They are called Sea-Nettles, from the
stinging and blistering quality they have like Nettles, occa-
sioning burning Pains to whatever part of the Skin they
happen to touch.
The fresh-water Shell-fish are the Mussels and Craw-fish.
The Mussels are here plenty in several parts of the Freshes,
and are much the same as in Hurope; they are only made use
of by the Indians, who eat them after five or six Hours boil-
ing to make them tender; there are valuable Pearls found in
some of them, the whitest are the best, being the wholsomest.
The Broth is opening, and therefore good in the Dropsie,
Jaundice, and Gout.
The Craw-fish are very plenty in the Brooks and small
Rivers of Water amongst the Indians, and at the heads of the
Rivers near the Mountains; they are as delicious and good
here as in any part of the World. They are shaped like a
Scorpion, and the Stones in the Head are accounted good
against the Jaundice and Stone in the Reins. The Black
are much better than the White; they nourish and strengthen
the Body, and the Soop made of them is in very great Value
and Esteem amongst the Quality.
Having thus given a Description of several Species, or
Kinds of Fishes that are to be met with, and already known
in North Carolina; I shall in the next place proceed to what
remains of the Present State, having already accounted for
the Animals and Vegetables, as far as this Volume would
allow of, and whatever remains may be easily guessed at by
any ingenious Man who considers what Latitude Carolina
lies in, which reaches from 29 to 36 Degrees 30 Minutes of
North Latitude, as I have already observed: Most part of
Ti this
250 The Natural History
this spacious Country being waste and uninhabited, at pres-
ent, except by wild Beasts and Savage Indians, from whom
we can have but very imperfect Accounts, they being a People
of little or no Speculation, nor any way Curious.
of North Carolina. 251
FURTHER
OBSERVATIONS
ON THE PRESENT STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
S to the Arr, I don’t know what fault it has, except
what I have said before of it’s being sometimes ex-
treamly hot, at other times subtile, and piercing; and I
am persuaded, it enters a Man’s Body easier than that in [re-
land; yet I think that much of the Mortality that happens
among Strangers, is owing in a great measure to the ill govern-
ment of themselves, for they eat but little, having destroyed
' their Stomachs by Surfeits of Fruit, or excessive Drinking hot
Spirituous Liquours; and if any rather chuse the cold, his
Stomach is chilled, and he is immediately in danger of a Flux,
or extream Looseness. There is another thing to be observed,
Men guard themselves less from the Air here, than in most
li: other
252 The Natural History
other Place, trusting to the heat of the Climate, and receive
the cool of the Evenings with only a Shirt. I think that the
Air, though not so cold, is much more subtle and piercing
here than in Jreland, it corrodes Iron much more, not by
Moisture, for it is not so moist; and besides it does it in the
dry Weather.
Notwithstanding this Country is as fertil and pleasant as
any in the World (in the same Latitude) for the produce of
Minerals, Fruit, Grain, Wine, and several other rich Com-
modities, that are frequently to be met with in it. All the
Experiments that have been already made of the Fertility
and natural Advantages of the Country, have answered be-
yond expectation, as affording some Commodities, which
other Places in the same Latitude do not.
As for Minerals, they being subterraneous Products, so
in all New Countries, they are the last Species that are gen-
erally discovered, and will most certainly be so, where the
Indians never look for any thing lower than the superficies
of the Earth, being a race of Men, the least addicted to search
into the Bowels of the Earth, of any in the World, that in-
habit so fine a Country as Carolina; and I am satisfied, that
there are as good and rich Mines here, that lie full to the
Westward of us, as any the Spaniards possess in America.
The Lands near the Heads of the Rivers being Mountainous,
and no doubt, have as rich Minerals in them as any of those
parts that are already discovered to be so rich.
I shall say no more on this Subject at present, but give you —
some general Observations concerning North-Carolina; which
are, That it lies as convenient for Trade as any Province in
America, abounding with several rich and valuable Commod-
ities, such as Tar, Turpentine, Pitch, Rosin, Masts, Yards,
Planks, Boards, Staves, Lumber, Timber of many sorts, fit
for
of North Carolina. 253
for any uses; Skins of Deers, Beeves, Buffelo’s, Elks, Bears,
Panthers, and several other Beasts. The Furrs of Beavers,
Racoons, and many other wild Beasts, which are in great
Plenty here; as also Rice, Wheat, Indian Corn, Barley, Oats,
Buck-wheat, and sundry sorts of Pulse, Potatoes, and variety
of fine Fruits, Flax, Beef, Pork, Tallow, Hides, Horses,
Whale-bone, Oil, Bees-wax, Myrtle-wax, Honey, Cheese, But-
ter, Cotton, Tobacco, Indico, Coffee, and no doubt would
produce good Silk, Owl, and Wine, the Soil of this Country
being as proper as any in the World for that purpose.
This Country is likewise adorned with pleasant Savannas
or Meadows, Rivers, Mountains, Vallies, Hills, and rich
Pastures for Cattle, and blessed with a wholsome pure Air,
especially a little backwards from the Sea, where only wild
Beasts inhabit at present, few of which are so voracious as
to kill Men, Horses or Cows, for there cannot be a richer
Soil, no place abounding more in Flesh and Fowl, both wild
and tame, besides vast numbers of excellent Fish, Grain,
Cyder, and many other pleasant Liquors, together with most
Necessaries convenient for Life, that are daily found out,
to the great Benefit and Advantage of those that are already
settled here.
The Stone or Gout seldom or never afflict the Christian
Inhabitants, and the Huropeans that have been afflicted with
the Stone and Gravel, find present Ease, by drinking Yau-
pan Tea.
The Consumption we are entire Strangers to, no Country
affording a better Remedy for that Distemper than the pure-
ness of the Air; neither has the small Pow ever visited this
Country but once, and that in the late Indian War, which
destroyed most of those Savages that were seized with it.
As
254 The Natural History
As for Trade, we lie so near Virginia, that we might have
the advantage of their Convoys, if there were occasion for
them, as also Letters from thence in two or three Days, and
from some places in a few Hours. The great numbers of
ships that come to New-England, New-York, Pensilvania,
Mary-Land, and Virginia, make the Provisions scarce in
those Places, so that they are frequently obliged to North-
Carolina for those Necessaries, where Provisions and Naval
Stores never fail of a good Market. Besides where these are
produced and raised in such plenty, there appears good
House-keeping, and plenty of all manner of delicate Eata-
bles.
The Porke is excellent good, from their Hogs feeding on
Straw-berries, Wall-nuts, Peaches, Maiz, and several other
sorts of delicate Fruits, which, are the natural produce of
this Country, and make them the sweetest Meat the World
can afford; as is well known to all Strangers that have been
in that Country. And as for their Beef, it proves extraor-
dinary good, being fat and well relished. We have not only
Provisions very plenty, but Cloaths of our own Manufac-
ture, which are made and daily increase in these parts; such
as Cotion, Wool, Hemp and Flax, being all the growth of
this Country. But the women do not over burthen them-
selves with care and Industry; otherwise there would not
be such continual calls for those necessarys from Hurope.
But this Climate being visited with so mild and short Winters,
save abundance of Cloaths. We likewise can go out with
our Commodities to any part of the West-Indeas, or else-
where in the depth of Winter, whereas those in New-Eng-
land, New-York, and Pensilvania, and those Colonies to the
Northward of us, cannot stir for Ice, but are fast locked into
their Harbours all that Season.
We
of North Carolina. 255
We have no frontier Town in North-Carolina, which is an
advantage in not being so continually alarm’d by the Enemy,
and what has been accounted a detriment to us, proves one
of the greatest advantages any People cou’d wish or desire.
This Country being Fenced with a Sound near ten Leagues
over in some Places, through which, although there be Water
enough for as large Ships to come in at, as any part hitherto
seated in both Carolinas; yet the difficulty of that Sound to
Strangers hinders them from Hostilities against us, so that
this natural Bull-work proves very advantagious to us in
securing us from our Enemies.
Our distance from the Sea likewise rids us from two
curses or Plagues which attend most other parts of America,
viz. the Musketo’s, and the water Wood-worms, that eat Ships
bottoms. Whereas at Bath and Hden-town, there is no such
thing known, and as for Musketo’s we are very little troubled
with them, except it be in low Marshes, and near the Salt-
waters, which are only habitations for wild Beasts, Birds,
and Snakes of various kinds. The vast quantities likewise
of Fish that this great Sound or Water supplies us with,
when ever we take the pains to Fish for them, is another
considerable advantage not to be met with so commodiously in
any part of America as in this Province.
As for the Climate (as I observed) we generally enjoy a
very wholesome and serene Sky, and a pure and thin Air, the
Wether seldom proving so overcast or Cloudy but we have
the blessing of the warm Sun, except it be in Winter, and
then as soon as the South and West-winds begin to blow, the
Horizon immediately clears up and restores the light of the
Sun. The Weather in Summer is very pleasant, being con-
tinually refreshed with cool reviving Breezes from all Quar-
ters except the South, which is very sultry.
The
256 The Natural History
The Spring here is as pleasant and as beautiful as in any
place I have ever been in, and the Winter generally proves
so mild that it is rather like an Autumn, except the Winds
blow North-west, at which time it is peircing and cold, but
proper enough for our constitutions, and very wholesome,
freeing these parts from many dangerous distempers that a
continual Summer afilicts them with, nothing being wanting
as to the natural Ornaments or blessings of a Country to the
making reasonable Men happy.
As for the Constitution of this Government, it is so mild
and easy in all respects, to the Liberties and Properties of
the Subject, that it is the best established Government in the
World, and a Place where a Man may peaceably enjoy his
own without being invaded by another; rank and superiority
always giving place to Justice and Equity, which is the
foundation that every government ought to be built upon,
and regulated by.
Besides this Province has been settled and continued the
most free from the insults and barbarities of the Indians of
any Colony in America, which was one of the greatest bless-
ings that cou’d attend such a small number of People as
they were, and how Iregularly settled first, and at what dis-
tance they are from each other, and yet how undisturbed
they have remained and free from any Foreign danger or
loss, to what most of the other Colonys have been exposed to,
not only by the Indians, but their own Slaves the Negroes.
And what may well deserve Admiration is, that their Prisons
are never crowded with Malefactors or Debtors; as to Male-
factors I never knew but one that was guilty of death, for
Murder, which happened as follows; two Persons well known
to each other, being at the Tavern, one of them was falling
asleep,
of North Carolina. ; 257
asleep, his Friend importuned him to go home along with
him, which the other refusing to do, his Friend told him,
that he would leave him, which he had no sooner said, but
the other Stab’d him with his Knife, whereof he instantly
died; the Murderer was immediately apprehended, tried,
and condemned to die, he confest that before he left Hurope
he had murdered two, and notwithstanding his Condemna-
tion, he found means to make his escape out of Prison some
few Days before the Execution.
As for Debtors, few or none are confin’d in Prison above
four and twenty Hours, for the Sherriff generally takes
them Home to his House, or takes their Word for their
Appearance at the next Court, to be held, in any of their
precincts or Barronies, where they Judge him a Servant to the
Creditor for as long time as they imagine the Debt deserves,
but if the Person has been a Planter and by misfortunes has
contracted Debts, or an aged Person they frequently at these
Courts make a Collection amongst themselves, by which
means they discharge the Debt, or satisfie the Creditor; so
that by these methods none are kept in confinement.
It is likewise enacted by the Laws of the Country, that
no Person shall be liable to pay above forty Shillings of their
Country Money for any publick-House Scores for Liquors,
let the Persons that keep such Houses trust them what they
please, yet by Law they can recover no more: This is done
chiefly to prevent People, if possible, running in Debt, or
spending their Time idly after that manner, especially in a
Country where Industry is so much wanting. Notwithstand-
ing this Law, some will owe above One hundred Pounds at
these Taverns, or publick Houses, which they will justly and
1 Kk honestly
258 The Natural History
honestly pay, looking upon it as the greatest Scandal in Na-
ture to make use of this Law; neither would the Country
much regard them afterwards if they did. Yet there are
some that are not so scrupulous, or so strictly bound up to
Principles of Justice, that have taken the advantage of this
Law, to defraud their Creditors, when they had an Oppor-
tunity.
There are several other good Laws in this Province, and
particularly, that no Vagabond, or inferiour Person is suf-
fered to travel through the Country without a Pass from the
Governor, or some of the Justices of the Peace, this is done
to prevent Transports from Hurope running away from their
Masters.
They have no Frontier Towns, as I before observed,
neither have they any Army, except their Militia, which are
both of Horse and Foot, having proper Officers, who are
Commissioned, or Nominated by the Governor, although
they are seldom obliged to Muster (as they are in most of the
other Hnglish Provinces in America) except it be to appre-
hend Offenders that will not submit themselves to the Law,
or be taken by the Authority of their Justices of Peace’s
Warrant; in such eases, they generally raise the Posse or
Militia, to seize and bring them to Justice; Yet instances
of this Nature are but seldom, for I never knew but two
whilst I was in the Country.
But to return to the Subject in Hand, there are made
throughout this Settlement, as good Bricks as any I have
ever met with in Hurope: All sorts of Handy-crafts, such as
Carpenters, Joyners, Coopers, Bricklayers, Plaisterers, Shoe-
makers, Tanners, Curriers, Taylors, Weavers, and most other
sorts of Tradesmen, may with small Beginnings, and good
Industry, soon thrive well in this Place, and provide good
Estates, and all manner of Necessaries for their Families,
Lands
of North Carolina. 259
Lands being sold at a cheaper rate here than in most parts
of America.
The Farmers that go thither (for which sort of People it
is a very thriving place) shou’d bring with them several
sorts of Seeds of Grass, as Trefoil, Clover-Grass, all sorts of
Sanfoin, and common Grass, and especially those that have
arose and sprung in a warm Climate, that will endure the
heat of the Sun; likewise several Garden-Seeds, and choice
Frut-Trees, and European-graim, for increase and hardness,
and especially Olive-Trees and several sorts of Huropean-
Grapes. The necessarys for Husbandry I need not acquaint
the Husbandman withal, but Hoes; of all sorts, and Azes
must be had, Saws, Wedges, Augurs, Nails, Hammers, and
what other things may be necessary to build with Timber
and Brick. For whoever reads this Treatise with attention,
must needs be acquainted with the nature of the Country,
and therefore cannot but be Judges what will be chiefly
wanting in it.
Whoever goes to this Province need not complain for want
of Lands for taking up, even in places most delightfully
seated on navigable Rivers and Creeks, without being driven
to remote parts of the Country for settlements, as at present
they are forced to do in New-Hngland, and several other
English provinces in America, which are already become so
populous, that a new comer cannot get a beneficial and com-
odious seat, unless he purchases it at a very dear rate.
Another great advantage here is, that there is liberty of
Conscience (as I said before) allowed to all. These things
being duly weighed, any rational Man that has a mind to
purchase Lands for a Settlement for himself and Family,
will soon discover the advantages that attend the settlers and
purchasers of Lands here above all the other Provinces in
Kk: the
260 The Natural History
the English Dominions in America, for Ease, Pleasure, Sat-
isfaction, and all necessaries of Life.
And as several parts of Hurope may be admired for its
artificial, so may Carolina for its natural Beauty; for the
Country in general is level, except some Hills near the Cher-
okee and Appelapean Mountains, and most agreeably diversi-
fied with fine arable Lands, producing vast increase, and two
Crops in one Season, with large and spacious Savannes or
Meadows, most beautifully adorn’d with variety of Odorifer-
ous and fine Flowers, intermixt with plenty of good Grass for
Pasture for Cattle. The large Woods and Forests with their
Lofty Trees and spreading Vines of various sorts, affording
not only refreshing, but most pleasant shades to sit under in
the extremity of the hot Weather, and likewise abounding
with various kinds of wild Beasts and Birds, which are pre-
served in them, not only for diversion of Hunting, but like-
wise convenient and profitable for the support of Man.
And Lastly, the large and Navigable Rivers and Creeks
that are to be met with watring and adorning this Country,
well stored with vast quantities of Fish and Water-Fowl.
These ornaments and many advantages which it enjoys,
makes it one of the pleasantest places in the World to live in,
Sed, Nescio qua natale solum dulcedine capto ducit & Im-
memores non sinit esse sui. They make very necessary Ves-
sels for carriage of their Commodities by Water, which are
called in these parts Periaugers and Canoes, which are the
Boats made use of in this Country, and are generally made
out of one peice of large Timber, and that most commonly
of the Cypress kind, which they make hollow and shaped
like a Boat, with Masts, Oars, and Padles, according to their
size and bigness. Some of these Periaugers, are so large
that they are capable of carrying forty or fifty Barrels of
Pitch
of North Carolina. 261
Pitch or Tar. In these Vessels likewise they carry Goods,
Horses, and other Cattle from one Plantation to another
over large and spacious Rivers; they frequently trade in
them to Virginia and other places on this continent, no Ves-
sel of the same Burthen made after the Huropean manner is
able to out Sail one of these Periaugers.
The Canoes are of less Burthen than the former, some will
carry two or three Horses over these large Rivers, and others
so small that they will carry only two or three Men. These
are more ticklish than Boats, but no Boat in the World is
capable to be rowed as fast as they are, and when they are
full of Water they will not sink, and not only the Indians
but even the Christians are very dexterous in managing of
them.
Before the arrival of the Christians in these parts (as I
have been credibly inform’d) the Indians had no other
Method in making these Periaugers and Canoes, but by
Fire, burning them hollow with Gums and Rosins, and
scraping them with sharp Stones or Shells, prepared for that
use, according to the shape and size they proposed to make
them, having neither Handsaws, Axes, Adds, Chizel, or any
other Instruments made of Iron or Steel, wherewith to fash-
ion or make them; but at present they have all manner of
Instruments proper for such uses, which they have purchased
from the Christians. It is most certain, that no People in
the World are more handy and dexterous in managing their
Periaugers, and Canoes, with either Sail, Oar, or Paddle,
than they are; and when ever it happens that their Canoes
are full of Water, they will very nimbly leap out, and hold-
ing the Canoe with one Hand, throw out the Water with a
Gourd with the other, and so proceed on their intended Voy-
age. They likewise very often set their Periaugers and
Canoes, along the Shoar with long Poles.
The
262 The Natural History
The Land Carriages are much after the same manner as
those with us; there being not only plenty of Horses, but
likewise of Carts and Waggons, and several other Necessa-
ries convenient for Carrying all manner of Commodities by
Land from one place to another.
The Roads are as good as in most parts of the World, and
the travelling as pleasant, especially the Road from Hden-
town to Virginia, being made broad and convenient, for all
sorts of Carriages, such as Coaches, Chaises, Waggons and
Carts, and especially for Horsemen, these Lands lying so
level, and the beautiful and delightful Objects they are en-
tertained with in their Journey, render it both amusing and
diverting. What is remarkable is, that traveling from Hden-
town to Virginia, there is a Post set up in the Division be-
tween those two Provinces, with North Carolina on the
South, and Virginia on the North, in large Capital Letters,
to shew to all Travellers the Bounds between those two
Colonies.
In other parts the Roads are more like Paths than any
publick Road, only that they are made broad enough for
Coach, Chaises, and all manner of Carriages. But this is
a general Rule to be observed throughout all America, that
wherever you meet any of those Paths like Roads, with the
Trees marked or notched on each side, it is a sure sign that
it is the publick Road from one Christian Town to another.
Notwithstanding there are several Paths of Horses, Cows,
and other Beasts in the Woods, as large as the former, which
are to be avoided, by reason that the Trees are not marked as
above ; neither do the Indians ever use this Method in making
their Roads, having some secret Knowledge to guide them
through these large Woods, which we are entire Strangers
to; so that several Christians not knowing, or regardless of
these Marks, have been for several Days lost in the Woods,
before
of North Carolina. 263
before they could come to any Planters House, or meet with
any Person to inform them which way to go; yet I never
heard of any perish for want of Provisions, under these mis-
fortunes, there being not only great Plenty of several good
Fruits to be met with, all over the Woods most parts of the
year, but likewise variety of Birds and Beasts, necessary for
the support of Life; but I have known some lost for eight,
others for fourteen Days, before they could meet with any
human Creature to inform them what part of the Province
_ they were in.
The Negroes sometimes make use of these Advantages in
the Woods, where they will stay for Months together before
they can be found out by their Masters, or any other Person;
and great Numbers of them would act after the same man-
ner (which would be detrimental to the Planters) were they
not so much afraid of the Indians, who have such a natural
aversion to the Blacks, that they commonly shoot them when
ever they find them in the Woods or solitary parts of the
Country.
There are no Wind-Mills in this Province at present, and
not above two or three Water-Mills, which are for the most
part continually grinding their Wheat; for the small Sloops
and Periaugers are continually coming and going with Corn
and Flower: But the common method that the Planters use
to grind their Corn is with Hand-Mills, which almost every
one of them has. The Stones for these Mills are got up the
River Neus, which are very soft when dug out of the Earth,
but grow exceeding hard and durable after they are some
time in the Air, and are serviceable upon these occasions.
These Stones seem more like a parcel of Oyster-shells petri-
fied, than any natural Stone, for through the whole Grain of
this Stone there is no other appearance, but the exact shape
of
264 The Natural History
. of the Oystershells. Of this kind of Stone there are several
Quarries and Rocks to be met with towards the Heads of the
Rivers; notwithstanding there is plenty of Free-Stone near
the Mountains, and most kinds of Greet proper to make
Millstones, yet the former being so easily acquired, are only
made use of at present, except some few brought from Hng-
land, for their Water-Mills. The Proprietors of these Mills
take most commonly every other Barrel as Toll, for grinding;
but the Laws of the Country allow only every sixth.
There are abundance of excellent good Springs to be met
with in several parts of this Province, abounding with as
sweet and fresh Waters as any in Hurope, and especially
near the Mountains, in which there can be none better. The
Lands near these parts being for the most part very rich,
with an extraordinary black Mold, some of a Copper colour,
and both very good. Here are likewise great quantities of
Iron Mine, several sorts of Stone, divers kinds of Spaws,
and chalibeat Springs, the Water whereof being drank, make
the Excrements as black as Ink by its chalibeat Quality.
It is very remarkable, at certain seasons of the Year, but
especially in Winter, as Persons travel up near the Moun-
tains, they hear at Night the most hideous and strange Noise,
that ever pierced mortals Ear, which at first was very fright-
ful to us, ’till such time as we were informed by our Indian
Guides, that this Noise is customary in those parts there
being innumerable numbers of Panthers, Tygers, Wolves,
and other Beasts of Prey, going in whole droves to hunt the
Deer, making this frightful Noise all the Night, until Day
appears, or that a Shot or two is fired, then all will be still
and quiet. There are several large Swamps to be met with
here, which are the Habitation of those wild Beasts, where
they
of North Carolina. 265
they make their abode in the Day, at which time they are
not to be seen or heard in the Woods.
But these kind of wild Beasts are not very plenty (except
the Wolves) near the Settlements, the Planters continually
destroying them as they hunt and travel in the Woods, and
in process of time will be lessened as this Country begins to
be better Inhabited. This Country affords many and large
Swamps, which are generally overflowed or under Water in
the Winter, yet I never met with any Bogs, but plenty of
good Pit Coal in many places, of which they make no man-
ner of use at present, all kind of Timber being so plenty, and
proper for fireing; so that all other kinds of Fuel are dis-
regarded and made no use of by the Inhabitants of this
Province.
It will not be improper, in this place, to give an account
how the T'urpentine, Tar, Pitch, and Rosin are made, being
all the produce of one Tree, and a very good Stable Commod-
ity in these parts. The Planters make their Servants or
Negroes cut large Cavities on each side of the Pitch-Pine
Tree (which they term Boxing of the Tree) wherein the
Turpentine runs, and the Negroes with Ladles take it out
and put it into Barrels: These Trees continue thus running
most commonly for three Years, and then decay, but in proc-
ess of time fall to the Ground, which is what they call
Iight-Wood, of which their Pitch and Tar is made. (viz.)
The Planters at certain Seasons of the Year, and espe-
cially in Winter, make their Negroes gather great quantities
of this Light-wood, which they split about the thickness of the
small of a Man’s Leg, and two or three Feet in length; when
they have got a sufficient quantity of it in readiness, they set
their Kilns on some rising Ground or Earth thrown up for
that purpose, in the center whereof they make a hollow
Il place,
266 The Natural History
place, from whence they draw a Funnel some distance from
the Kiln. Then they take the Light-wood which they pile
up with the ends of each, placed slanting towards the center
of the Kiln, which is generally made taper from the Ground,
afterwards they cover it very secure with Clay, Earth, or
Sods, to keep in the Flames, after this is done they set it on
fire at the Top, the Weather permitting, which must be
neither too dry nor too wet. By this means the Tar runs
into the center, and from thence into the Funnel, where they
attend Night and Day (with Ladles to put it into Barrels
prepared for that purpose) till the Kiln is quite burnt out,
which is generally in eight and forty Hours or less, accord-
ing to the dimensions of the Kiln. It sometimes happens
through ill management, and especially in too dry Weather,
that these Kilns are blown up as if a train of Gun-powder
had been laid under them by which Accident their Negroes
have been very much burnt or scalded. The Planters gener-
ally know very near what quantity of Tar each of their
Kilns will produce, according to their dimensions, for which
reason they are always provided with a sufficient Number
of Barrels for that end.
The Pitch is made of the Tar, which is done in the follow-
ing manner. They have large Furnaces made in several
parts, and more now than ever, by reason of a late act of
Parliament made in the Reign of his present Majesty, which
obliges every Person or Persons that burn Tar-kilns in his
Majesties dominions in America to make half of the first
running into Jar, and the other half into Pitch, the penalty
being a forfeture of the whole. With this second running
they fill their furnaces, and so place a fire underneath it till
such time as it begins to boyl, then they set it on fire and
burn it to the consistence of Pitch.
The
of North Carolina. 267
The Rosin is very scarce in these parts, few giving them-
selves the trouble; but when made, it is done after the follow-
ing manner, viz. Take Turpentine, as much as you think
proper, put it into an Alembick or a Copper Vesica, with four
times its weight of fair Water, and distil it, which will pro-
duce a thin and clear Oil ike Water, and at the bottom of the
Vessel will remain the Rosin. The Indians never make
either Pitch, Tar or Turpentine, ranging and hunting con-
tinually threugh the Woods, being all the Industry they are
given to, except they plant some small quantity of Indian
Corn or Mazz, and dress their Deer-Skins, being as well satis-
fied with this way of living as any among us, who by his
Industry has acquired immense Treasure.
I will in the next place give an account of those that are
Transported to these parts from Hurope, and the many ad-
vantages that attend them in this Province, according to
their good behaviour. These are indented for such a limita-
tion of time, as appears by each of their Indentures, and are
disposed and made Servants of during that time, each of
them being more or less regarded according to their good or
bad behaviour, and the reason of their being Transported.
Neither can any Servant give a second Indenture on himself
before he is out of his Apprentiship, and a Free-man in the
Country; then he is at his Liberty to make what bargain he
pleases, but before that time all contracts made by him are
void and of no effect. For by only applying to any of their
Courts, he is immediately discharged and set free, notwith-
standing he has received a gratuity (from the Planter who
claims him) for so doing. This being an established law of
the Country to prevent Masters taking advantage of their
Servants before they have obtained their freedom. As soon
Ll as
268 The Natural History
as they have fullfill’d the Obligation of their Indentures,
and are become Free-men, their Masters are obliged on their
parts to give each Man Servant a new Suit of Cloaths, a Gun,
Powder, Shot, Ball and ten Bushels of Indian Corn, and by
the Laws of the Country, they are entitled to fifty Acres of
Land, which they seldom take up, but dispose of for Trifles,
this quantity of Land being too small for large Stocks of
Cattle (which most Planters here are possessed of) or to
make Pitch and Tar on, which is another Staple of this
Country, so that an Instance of this Nature is not to be met
with in this Province.
Thus they appear after they have served their time and
have obtained their freedom, having no other visible For-
tune to depend upon or support them except their Industry.
The Question then may be reasonably asked, how it is possi-
ble for them to live, or make Fortunes from such small and
despicable beginnings? Concerning which Objection, I shall
thus endeavour to satisfie the Reader.
Those that are thus made Free-men, their former Masters
generally give a Character of them, according to their good
or bad behaviour during their Apprentiship, and those that
have acted with prudence, care, and good conduct, whilst
they were Servants never are at a loss to meet with the best
usage from their Masters, who recommend them to other
planters (if they have no Imployment for them) to be their
Stewards, or overseers of their Plantations (several of the
Planters of this Country having many) wherein are gener-
ally great Stocks of Cattle, Horses, and Swine.
The overseer being thus employ’d, his business is to mark
all the Calves, Foles, and young Pigs, with the Planters
Mark or Brand, every Planter having his Brand or Mark
recorded in proper Books, kept for that purpose in each Pre-
einct
of North Carolina. 269
cinct or Barony throughout this Province. This is done to
prevent the Planters having any disputes about any of these
Beasts, each Planter claiming by these marks nothing but
what is justly his own, and if there be any Negroes, to see
them perform whatever Work the Planter requires to be
done; this being chiefly what the Overseer is employed in,
for which Service he is allowed every seventh Calf, seventh
Fole, and half of all the young Hogs that are bred during
his Stewardship, and likewise the seventh part of all sorts of
Grain and Tobacco that is produced on the said Plantation.
Whatever quantity of Corn, Rice or Tobacco he plants by
his own Industry, is all his own Property, the Master hav-
ing nothing to do with it. Thus in three or four Years time,
with good management, he has a sufficient Stock of Cattle,
Grain, Money, and all other Necessaries proper to purchase
a Plantation, by which means many are become as wealthy
and substantial Planters, as any in the Government. But I
must confess, that few are such good Proficients in this way
of Industry, notwithstanding there are such considerable ad-
vantages to be acquired thereby. But on the contrary, those
of ill behaviour, and such as have been negligent in their
Apprentiship, are not thus recommended, but generally get
their livelyhood by the sweat of their Brow, yet live after a
very loose and indolent manner; for if they work two Days
in the Week, they generally drink and are idle all the rest
(Provisions and Liquors being so very cheap) and are rather
greater Slaves when made free, than they were during their
Apprentiship, never making any advantage of their Time.
Thus, I hope I have satisfied the Reader as to this Point.
I shall only mention one particular in regard to these Ser-
vants or Transports, which I had like to have omitted;
which is, that they run away from their Masters, to prevent
which
270 The Natural History
which there is a Law made in this Country, whereby those
that run away are obliged (if apprehended and taken, as
they generally are) to serve double the time they are absent
from their Masters; this they are obliged to perform after
the expiration of their Indentures, which is done to prevent
their running away before they have served their time,
which so deters them, that they are not so guilty of this kind
of Practice of late, as formerly.
ew Masters of Ships will venture to carry on board their
Vessels any of these Servants or Debtors from this, or any
other of the Provinces, without their giving sufficient secu-
rity that they are not in Debt, and Freemen, or publish an
Advertisement sometime before their departure out of the
Province; wherein they require all Person that they are
indebted to, To come, and they will pay them what they can
make appear to be justly due. And likewise, That all Per-
sons indebted to them,.are desired to come and pay them
before they quit the Country, in such or such a Ship. This
being the Substance of this Advertisement, which is fixed on
their Court-House Door, for all Persons to peruse. These
Obligations being thus performed, they are at their Liberty
to go where they please, and the Masters liable to no Pen-
alty; but if they should act contrary to the Laws (and they
be discovered) both their Persons and Ships are liable to be
arrested, and subject to pay whatever the Creditors can make
appear due to them, or any other Losses they have sustained
thereby. Notwithstanding all these Laws, some of them run
away, and when they are taken, like the Negroes, have Neck-
yoaks put on them, which they constantly wear, ’till they
give sufficient Testimonies of their good behaviour to the
contrary. Several Instances of this Nature I have been
Eye-witness to during my stay in that Country.
There
of North Carolina. ALL
There is an Office here which is worth our Notice, viz.
the Gunpowder-O fice, which hath continued ever since the
last War with the Indians, at which time there was a Law
made, by which all Vessels trading to those Parts were liable
to pay three Shillings and four Pence, Carolina Money per
Ton, or the Value in Gun Powder, except the said Vessel
was built in the Country, or that the Merchant had a Planta-
tion there, then the Vessels were liable to pay half Fees, or
one Shilling and eight Pence per Ton to the Powder-Office.
The lessening of these Fees was to encourage Merchants to
build and settle in this Country. They’ nominated at their
General Assemblies such Persons as they judged proper in
each County to receive the said Fees, which were to be laid
out in a suflicient Magazine or Store of Gunpowder, which
was to be always in readiness for the use of the Christians
against the Indians, whenever they made any Attempts,
which there is no danger of their ever doing for the future;
yet this Office continued ’till the Year 1733, being about that
time laid aside as unnecessary, as I have been informed
since my return from those parts.
The Planters are very Hospitable and Charitable to each
other, and especially if any have had the misfortune to have
their Houses burnt, or any other grievous Affliction befall
them. On these occasions they readily contribute to make
up the loss of the Sufferers, whereby they generally become
more wealthy than they were before this misfortune hap-
pened.
Thus have I given an Account of the Advantages and Dis-
advantages that attend the Christian Inhabitants of this
Province; having nothing more in view than to satisfie my
Readers with the best Account I could learn (during my
Residence there) I shall proceed to give a short Account of
the
272 The Natural History
the Negroes or Blacks, together with a Description of the
Indians, and the Laws and Customs now in force and use
amongst them.
The NEGROES are sold on the Coast of Guinea, to Mer-
chants trading to those Parts, are brought from thence to
Carolina, Virginia, and other Provinces in the hands of the
English, are daily increasing in this Country, and generally
afford a good Price, viz. more or less according to their Good-
ness and Age, and are always sure Commodities for Gold
or Silver, most other things being purchased with their
Paper Money. Some of them are sold at sixteen, twenty five,
or twenty six Pounds sterl. each, and are looked upon as the
greatest Riches in these Parts. There are great Numbers
of them born here, which prove more industrious, honest,
and better Slaves than any brought from (Guinea; this is
particularly owing to their Education amongst the Chris-
tians, which very much polishes and refines them from their
barbarous and stubborn Natures that they are most com-
monly endued with. I have frequently seen them whipt to
that degree, that large pieces of their Skin have been hanging
down their Backs; yet I never observed one of them shed a
Tear, which plainly shews them to be a People tt very harsh
and stubborn Dispositions.
There are several Laws made against them in this Prov-
ince to keep them in Subjection, and particularly one, viz,
That if a Negroe cut or wound his Master or a Christian
with any unlawful Weapon, such as a Sword, Scymiter, or
even a Knife, and there is Blood-shed, if it is known amongst
the Planters, they immediately meet and order him to be
hanged, which is always performed by another Negroe, and
generally the Planters bring most of their Negroes with them
to
of North Carolina. 273
to behold their fellow Negroe suffer, to deter them from the
like vile Practice. This Law may seem to be too harsh
amongst us, to put a Man to death for Blood-shed only, yet
if the severest Laws were not strictly put in execution against
these People, they would soon overcome the Christians in
this and most of the other Provinces in the Hands of the
English.
Notwithstanding the many severe Laws in force against
them, yet they sometimes rise and Rebel against their Mas-
ters and Planters, and do a great deal of mischief, being
both treacherous and cruel in their Natures, so that mild
Laws would be of no use against them when any favourable
Opportunity offered of executing their barbarities upon the
Christians, as hath been too well experienced in Virginia,
and other Places, where they have rebelled and destroyed
many Families.
When they have been guilty of these barbarous and dis-
obedient Proceedings, they generally fly to the Woods, but
as soon as the Indians have Notice from the Christians of
their being there, they disperse them; killing some, others
flying for Mercy to the Christians (whom they have injured)
rather than fall into the others Hands, who have a natural
aversion to #he Blacks, and put them to death with the most
exquisite Tortures they can invent, whenever they catch
them.
When any of these Negroes are put to death by the Laws of
the Country, the Planters suffer little or nothing by it, for
the Province is obliged to pay the full value they judge
them worth to the Owner; this is the common Custom or
Law in this Province, to prevent the Planters being ruined
by the loss of their Slaves, whom they have purchased at so
dear a rate; neither is this too burthensom, for I never knew
but one put to death here for wounding, and after attempting
18 Mm to
274 The Natural History
to kill his Master, who used all Means he could to save his
Life, but to no purpose, for the Country insisted on having
the Law put in execution against him.
The Negroes that most commonly rebel, are those brought
from Guinea, who have been inured to War and Hardship
all their lives; few born here, or in the other Provinces have
been guilty of these vile Practices, except over-persuaded by
the former, whose Designs they have sometimes discovered to
the Christians; some of whom have been rewarded with
their Freedom for their good Services; but the Reader must
observe, that they are not allowed to be Witnesses in any
Cases whatever, only against one another.
There are some Christians so charitable as to have the
Negroes born in the Country, baptized and instructed in the
Christian Faith in their Infancy, which gives them an ab-
horance of the Temper and Practice of those who are brought
from Guinea. This Freedom does not in the least exempt
them from their Master’s Servitude, whatever others may
imagine to the contrary, who believe them to be at their own
Liberty as soon as they have received Baptism. The Plan-
ters call these Negroes thus Baptized, by any whimsical
Name their Fancy suggests, as Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Diana,
Strawberry, Violet, Drunkard, Readdy Money, Piper, Fid-
ler, &e.
Their Marriages are generally performed amongst. them-
selves, there being very little ceremony used upon that Head;
for the Man makes the Woman a Present, such as a Brass
Ring or some other Toy, which if she accepts of, becomes his
Wife; but if ever they part from each other, which fre-
quently happens, upon any little Disgust, she returns his
Present: These kind of Contracts no longer binding them,
than the Woman keeps the Pledge given her. It frequently
happens,
of North Carolina. 275
happens, when these Women have no Children by the first
Husband, after being a Year or two cohabiting together, the
Planters oblige them to take a second, third, fourth, fifth, or
more Husbands or Bedfellows; a fruitful Woman amongst
them being very much valued by the Planters, and a numer-
ous Issue esteemed the greatest Riches in this Country. The
Children all go with the Mother, and are the Property of the
Planter to whom she belongs. And though they have no
other Ceremony in their Marriages than what I have repre-
sented, yet they seem to be Jealously inclined, and fight
most desperately amongst themselves when they Rival each
other, which they commonly do.
Their Children are carefully brought up, and provided
for by the Planters, ’till they are able to work in the Planta-
tions, where they have convenient Houses built for them,
and they are allowed to plant a suflicient quantity of Tobacco
for their own use, a part of which they sell, and likewise on
Sundays, they gather Snake-Root, otherwise it would be ex-
cessive dear if the Christians were to gather it; with this and
the Tobacco they buy Hats, and other Necessaries for them-
selves, as Linnen, Bracelets, Ribbons, and several other Toys
for their Wives and Mistresses.
There are abundance of them given to Theft, and fre-
quently steal from each other, and sometimes from the Chris-
tians, especially Rum, with which they entertain their Wives
and Mistresses at Night, but are often detected and punished
for it.
There are several Blacks born here that can Read and
Write, others that are bred to Trades, and prove good Artists
in many of them. Others are bred to no Trades, but are
very industrious and laborious in improving their Planta-
tions, planting abundance of Corn, Rice and Tobacco, and
Mm: making
276 The Natural History
making vast Quantities of Turpentine, Tar, and Pitch, be-
ing better able to undergo fatigues in the extremity of the
hot Weather than any Huropeans.
The Children of both Sexes wear little or no Cloaths, ex-
cept in the Winter, and many of the young Men and Women
work stark naked in the Plantations in the hot Season, ex-
cept a piece of Cloath (out of decency) to cover their Naked-
ness; upon which Account they are not very expensive to the
Planters for their Cloathing. The Planters at their Death
used to make some of their favourite Negroes free, but there
is now an established Law (especially in Virginia) that if
they do not quit the Province in about Eleven Days after
their Freedom, whoever takes them they become his Prop-
erty; but before the expiration of that time they either go
to another Province, or sell themselves to the Christians.
The Planters seeing the Inconveniencies that might attend
these kind of Priviledges to the Negroes, have this and all
other Laws against them continually put in practice, to pre-
vent all Opportunities they might lay hold of to make them-
selves formidable.
AN
of North Carolina. 277
AN ACCOUNT OF THE
INDIANS
OF NORTH CAROLINA.
HE Indians, it’s well known were the Natives and In-
habitants of America before the Spaniards and Huro-
peans made any discoveries of several parts of that
Country. Amongst whom are several different Nations and
Kings to this Day. What is very surprizing and strange is,
that scarce any two Nations to be met with, spake the same
Language, though they live ever so near to each other, this be-
ing a common thing all over this new World, as far as ever I
cou’d be Informed. What shou’d occasion such a Diversity
of Languages or Speeches amongst the Savages, is what most
writers can hardly account for. But to return, the Indians
of North-Carolina, are a well shaped clean made People, of
different
278 The Natural History
different Statures as the Huropeans are, but chiefly inclined
.to be tall, are very streight and neat limb’d as are to be met
with in any part of the World, they never bend forwards or
stoop in the Shoulders, except they are much over powered :
with old Age, as for their Legs and Feet they are as well
proportioned and as handsome, as any in the World. They
are of a strong hale Constitution, and their Bodies very
streight, but a little flat, which is occasioned by their being
laced or tyed hard down upon a board in their Infancy, this
being all their Cradle, which I shall describe in another
place.
Their Eyes are full and Manly, and of a black or dark
Hazel colour, the White marbled with Red Strakes, which is
always common amongst these People, unless they have
either a white Father or Mother.
Their Colour is Tawny, which wou’d not be so dark did
they not daub themselves so often with Bear’s-Oil, and a
Colour like Burnt-Cork, which they practice from their In-
fancy, and continue so to do most part of their lives, it fills
up the pores, and enables them the better to endure the
Weather, and prevents most sorts of Insects and Vermin to
be any wise troublesome to them. They are never to be met
with Heads bald, though very Old, which I am perswaded is
occasioned by their Heads being always uncovered, and
greasing their Hair and other Parts so often as the do with
Bear’s-fat, which undoubtedly is a great nourisher of the
Hair, and causeth it to grow so very fast. Amongst the
Bear's Owl (when they intend to be fine) they mix a certain
red Powder that is produced from a kind of Scarlet Root that
they get in the Hilly Country, near the foot of the great
ridge of Mountains, and as it is reported by them, is no
where else to be found. They have this Scarlet Regt in great
Esteem, and sell it at a great Price one to another, and the
Reason
of North Carolina. 279
Reason of it’s being so very valuable is, because they not only
go a great way for it, but are likewise in great Danger of the
Sinegars, or Iroquois, who are mortal Enemies to all our
civilized Indians, and are very often by them or others before
their return from this Voyage, made their Captives or killed.
The T'uskeruros and other Indians, have frequently brought
the Seeds of this Plant from the Mountains, but it would
never grow in our Land, delighting no where but in the Hilly
and Mountainous parts; with this and the Bear’s-grease they
anoint their Heads and Temples, which is esteemed as Orna-
mental as Oil and sweet Powder, or any other thing we can
use to our Hair; besides it has the Virtues to kill Lice, and
suffer none to abide in their Heads. For want of this Root,
they sometimes use a Root called Pecoon, which is of a Crim-
son colour, but apt to die the Hair of an ugly Hue, they like-
wise make use of an Herb called Wasebur, and small Roots
called Chappacor, and the Bark of a Tree called T'ango-
mockonominge ; all these are Dyes for several sorts of Reds,
which the Indians use to paint their Faces, Matts and Bas-
kets with, but whether they would prove good in Cloath, is
not yet known. This, I am certain of, that one of our civil-
ized Indians brought me a handful of dryed Flowers and de-
sired me to put them in a large Sausepan filled with Water,
and boil them with a piece of Linnen Cloath, which made it
have such a deep Purple Colour, that the same could not be
discharged by any Method used, but the oftner it was washed,
the more beautiful and lively it appeared; the Indian would
by no means discover the plants the said Flower grew upon,
but assured me, that he would procure any Person what
quantity they pleased, if they would but satisfie him for his
Trouble. They not only paint themselves Red, but with
or many
280 The Natural History
many other Colours, such as Black, Green, Blue, and White,
by which they represent all the Affairs in Life, such as War,
Peace, Feasts, Death, and the like.
They generally let the Hair on their Heads grow very
Jong, which is lank, thick, and the strongest of any People
J have ever met with, and as black as Jet. They always
travel bare-headed, having neither Hats, or any artificial
Covering for those Parts, except it be their civilized Kings
and War Captains, who of late wear Hats, especially when
they visit the Christians. Those who have represented the
Savages as rough as Beasts, have never had the Opportunity
of seeing them, for they have naturally but little or no
Beards, or Hairs on their Faces, and very seldome under
their Arm-pits, which ’tis said they continually pluck out by
the Root as it begins to grow. Neither have they any upon
their Privities, except some few that wear Brieeches or Tail-
clouts, however, though these People are generally smooth
and free from Hair, yet I have known some that were old,
hairy down their Backs, and those Hairs very long: It is to
be observed, that the Head of the Penis is covered through-
out the whole Nations of the Indians that I ever saw; I am
credibly informed, that this is common with all, both old
and younng in America. They have extraordinary good
Teeth, but generally of a yellowish Colour, occasioned by
their smoaking Tobacco, which they are very much addicted
to; this Plant they report to have had, many ages before the
arrival of the Christians amongst them.
They never cut or pair their Nails, but let them grow
very long, saying, that that is the use they were made for,
and laugh at the Huropeans for pairing theirs, long Nails
being always esteemed amongst them as a Beauty, which the
Dancers at their Feasts generally have, who rather represent
the
of North Carolina. 281
the figure of Harpies than Men, with these kind of Orna-
ments. They have long and taper Fingers as any People
whatsoever, and it is to be admired how dexterous and steady
they are in their Hands and Feet, for they will walk over
deep Brooks and Creeks on the smallest Poles, and that with-
out any Fear or Concern, which no People in these Parts
can perform but themselves. I have seen an /ndian walk on
the ridge of a House without any manner of fear, and look
from off the Gable, and spit down as unconcerned as if he
had been walking on Terra Firma; as for Running, Leaping,
or any such like Exercise, their Legs seldom fail or miscarry,
so as to give them a fall; as for letting any thing fall out of
their Hands, I never knew an Example. Their Gate is very
upright and majestick, neither are they ever seen to walk
backwards and forwards as we do, or contemplate on the
Affairs of Loss and Gain, and many other things which daily
perplex us. It is this steadiness in their Limbs (which are
as well proportioned and as handsom as any in the World)
that makes them so dexterous at the Gun, for it is remarkable
that these People generally shoot and kill their Game with
one single Ball, and the Boys with their Bows and Arrows
are so well experienced in that kind of Exercise, that they
will kill a Bird flying, or a Deer running, with as much cer-
tainty, as others with a Gun, of which I have been an Eye-
witness.
They have no manner of Musical Instruments, such as
Pipe, Fiddle, or any other Arts, Sciences, or Trades, worth
mentioning, amongst them, which may be owing to their
careless way of living, taking little or no Pains to provide
for the Necessaries of Life, as the Huropeans do. They will
learn any thing very soon, and seem to be indued with very
good Genius’s, for I have seen several Guns Stocked by
Nn them,
282 The Natural History
them, better than most of our Joyners, having no Instrument
or Tool to work with only a short Knife: I have likewise
known several of them that were taken Prisoners in the last
War, and made Slaves to the Hnglish, learn handycraft
Trades well and speedily.
I never saw a Dwart amongst them, and only one that was
Hump-back’d. Though the Indians are a tall People, yet
they are not of so robust and strong Bodies as to lift great
Burthens, to endure hard Labour, or slavish Work, as the
Europeans do, yet some that are Slaves prove very indus-
trious and laborious. Amongst themselves they never work,
taking little or no care or pains, but what is absolutely neces-
sary to support Life, the Grandure and Riches of this
World being utterly despised by them.
The Indians in North Carolina that live near the Planters,
are but few (as I observed before) not exceeding Fifteen or
Sixteen hundred Men, Women and Children, and those in
good harmony with the Hnglish, with whom they constantly
trade; yet near the Mountains they are very numerous and
powerful, but have little or no fire Arms amongst them, so
that the three following Kings are not so much in dread or
fear of those near the Mountains as they formerly were,
since they have furnished themselves with Fire-Arms from
the Huropeans, because they can kill at greater distances with
their Guns, than the other can with their Bows and Arrows.
They have three Paricossy’s, or Indian Kings in this Prov-
ince, who are civilized, viz. King Blunt, King Durant, and
King Highter; but they may rather be compared to Heads
of Clans than Kings, according to their Appearances. I
have frequently seen and conversed with these three Kings,
whose Dresses were as follows:
King
of North Carolina. 283
King Blunt appeared before the Governour to pay his Trib-
ute, which he, as well as the rest, generally do once or twice
every Year; and this Tribute is a quantity of Deer-Skins,
dressed after the Indian manner.
Complements being passed between him and the Gov-
ernour (which I shall describe in another place) they were
desired to sit down and dine with his Excellency, which all
of them generally do, whenever they come to Town, where
the Governour is: Several Discourses past between them,
and amongst other things, that they were afraid of the
Sinagars, or Irequois Indians (who are not in subjection to
the English) coming to invade them, and desiring the Assist-
ance of the Governour, if there should be any Occasion,
which he assured them of. Dinner being ended, the Glass
went round very merrily, and whenever they drank to the
Governour, they always stiled him by the Name of Brother.
These three Kings speak English tolerably well, and are very
wary and cunning in their Discourses, and you would be sur-
prised to hear what subtile and witty Answers they made
to each Question proposed to them, notwithstanding they are
in general Illiterate People, having no Letters or Learning
to improve them.
King Blunt being the most powerful of these I have men-
tioned, had a Suit of Hnglish Broadcloth on, and a pair of
Women’s Stockings, of a blue Colour, with white Clocks, a
tolerable good Shirt, Cravat, Shoes, Hat, &c.
King Durant had on an old Blue Livery, the Wastecoat
having some remains of Silver Lace, with all other Neces-
saries fit for wearing Apparel such as Shirt, Stockings,
Shoes, dc. made after the Hnglish manner.
King Highter had on a Soldiers red Coat, Wastecoat, and
Breeches, with all other conveniences for wearing Apparel,
like
284 The Natural History
like the former: And it is to be observed, that after their
return home to their Towns, that they never wear these
Cloaths till they make the next State Visit amongst the
Christians.
After this manner appeared the three civilized Kings,
with each of them his Queen, Children, Physician, Captains
of War, and his Guards. After Dinner was over, the Gov-
ernour ordered Rum for the Queens, and the rest of the Ret-
inue, who remained at some distance from the Governours
House during the time the Kings were in Company with
him. In a few Hours after they all withdrew from the
Governours House, and went into Town to dispose of their
Deer-Skins that were remaining, for Blankets, Guns, Pow-
der, Shot, Ball, and other Necessaries they had occasion for,
and especially Aum, whereof they are very fond.
What is worthy of Observation amongst the whole Ret-
inue, is this, That you shall not see two but what have some
Mark to distinguish them from each other; sometimes very
long black Hair, with several bits of Stuff, such as Green,
Blue, Red, White, and Yellow, tied in it; others with their
Hair cut close, only a Circle left on the Head, the Hair
whereof is about half an Inch longer than the rest. Others
with several Marks in different parts of their Bodies and
Faces, as if they had been marked with Gwn-Powder, so that
if you see an hundred of them, you shall always observe some
difference in each of them, either in their Painting, Tonsure
of their Hair, or the marks made in their Skins. AI] these
Guards were well Armed, with each Man a Gun, good store
of Powder and Ball, and a Tamahawk by his side, which is
a kind of small Hatchet. It is likewise to be observed, that
scarce any of the whole Retinue, except the War Captains,
had any Cloathing, only Tail-Clouts (for decency) to cover
their
of North Carolina. 285
their Nakedness, and some few with a Blanket, or some such
like piece of Cloth about their Shoulders.
As soon as they have sold their Deer-Skins for those
Necessaries they had occasion for, and had drank what quan-
tity of Rum they were allowed, or thought fit to make use
of, they came out into the Street, to act the Indian War,
which to any one bred in Hurope, seemed rather like a Scene
of Madness, than a Warlike Exercise, for one while they
were Hooping and Hollowing, another while stamping alto-
gether like Madmen, another time creeping, as if they were
surprizing their Enemies, and many other antick Postures
and Gestures, too tedious to name. Though these Kings
may seem despicable and meane to us, yet are they most
absolute, putting to death those they judge worthy of it;
therefore it may not be amiss to give some Instances, because
they seem cruel and barbarous, if compared with our Laws
for punishing Offenders, as may appear by the following
Account, vz.
An Indian came to a Planters House in this Province,
and finding no body at home but a Servant Maid, he at-
tempted to lie with her, but she not complying with his
Desires, he was so provoked, that to be revenged, he shot
the Planters Dog as he was going away. The Planter com-
plained to the Governour of the injury the Indian had done
him, in order to have him punished for the offence. A Mes-
senger is immediately dispatched to their King to demand
Satisfaction for the trespass the Indian had been guilty of.
The Messenger coming late that Evening to the Indian-
town the King courteously received him and prevailed upon
him to stay all Night, and that the next Day when the Sun
was up, at such a height (as he expressed it) he would de-
liver him the Offender. Accordingly he remained there all
Night,
286 The Natural History
Night, in hopes to have the Indian brought before the Gov-
ernour, in order to be punished according to the Hnglish
Law; but at the time appointed, the King desired the Mes-
senger to walk with him into the Plantation, where to his
great astonishment, he found the Indian dead, and hang-
ing upon a Tree. The Messenger complained to the King,
of the rashness and cruelty of this Proceeding, adding, that
he did not deserve Death, and that he was sorry he had been
the Messenger, or occasion to have a Person put to death,
for so small a Crime, which only deserved Whipping, or
some such kind of Punishment; that he only came in order
to have him brought before the Governour, to have him
punished. But the King replied, That he might then take
him where he pleased, but he had put it out of his power
ever afterwards to be guilty of doing any roguish Tricks.
But to return: Their Queens, Sons, and Daughters, are
never permitted to dine at the Governour’s Table with the
Kings, but remain with their Children and Guards at
some distance from the House.
The first of these Queens was drest with a Peticoat made
after the Huropean manner, and had her Hair, which is
generally long, thick, and Black, tyed full of bits of Stuff,
such as Red, Green, Yellow, and variety of other Colours,
so that to an Huropean she rather seemed lke a Woman out
of Bedlam, than a Queen. She likewise had a large Belt
about her full of their Peack, or wampum, which is their
Money, and what they value above Gold or Silver, but to
me it seem’d no better than our common Snails, or other
ordinary Shells; the other parts of the Body from the Waste
upwards were all naked. The other two Queens were drest
much after the same manner, but none like the first, having
not such rich Belts of Money about their Bodies, which
to us in Hurope woud not be worth one Farthing.
The
of North Carolina. 287
The Indian Women, as well as the Men, are swarthy, but
their features are very agreeable and fine as any People you
shall meet with, and few have better and sharper Eyes than
they have. Neither did I ever see but one Blind Man
amongst them, and they never would give me any account
how he became blind, though I importun’d them to know
the reason. This blind Man was led about with a Boy or
Girl by a string, so they put what burthens they pleas’d on
his Back, and made him serviceable after that manner upon
several Occasions.
The firing they chiefly burn is Pich-Pine, that does not
only strengthen the Eyes, but preserves them, which I do not
doubt but it does, because the Smoak never offends the Eyes
though you should hold your Face over a great Fire thereof,
which is occasioned by the Volatile parts of the Turpentine,
which rises with the Smoak, being of so friendly and Bal-
samick nature to them, that they are much relieved thereby,
for the Ashes of the Pine-tree afford little or no fixt Salt.
The Indians in general are great Smoakers of Tobacco
(in their Language Uppowoc) which they tell us they had
before the Huropeans made any discoveries of that Country.
It differs in Leaf from the sweet scented and Oroonoko,
which are the plants we raise and cultivate in America.
Theirs likewise differs very much in the smell when it is
Green from our Tobacco before it is cured, neither do they
use the same method in curing it as we do, therefore the
difference must be very considerable in taste and smell, for
all Men (that know Tobacco) must allow, that it is the
ordering thereof that gives a hogo to the Weed, rather than
any natural relish it possesses when Green. They make
the heads of their Pipes very large, which are generally
cut out of Stones, the Shanks whereof are made of hollow
Cane, and although they are great Smoakers, yet they are
hever
288 The Natural History
never known to chew, or make it into Snuff, but will very
freely take a pinch of Snuff out of an Huropean’s Box.
The Indians are Strangers to such delicacies as are in
vogue amongst yet they have plenty of several kinds of
Food, as Buffeloes, Venison, and Fawns in the Bags of the
Does Bellys, Bears, Beavers, Panthers, Pole-Cats, Wild-
Cats, Raccoons, Possums, Hares, Squirrels, roasted with
their Guts in, wild Bull’s Beef, Mutton, and Pork, which
two latter they have from the Christians. The Deer, which
is so highly esteemed in European Countries, for the deli-
cacie of It’s Flesh, is little valued amongst these Savages,
only for the plunder of his Skin. All manner of wild
Fowl that are eatable, viz. Swans, Geese, Brants, Ducks,
Turkeys, Pigeons, and several other sorts of Fowl that are
to be met with in Carolina.
Fishes of all sorts, both in the fresh and salt Waters, and
all manner of shell-fish, as Tortoises, Terebins, Oysters,
Clams, and the Sting-ray, or Scate, dryed and most other sort
of Fishes that are known in these parts, except the Conger,
Lamprey-Eel, and Sturgeon, our civiliz’d Indians that live
near the Salt-Water will not touch, though those up the
Freshes eat them. And as for Snakes, they scarce either
kill or eat them, yet some of the Savages near the Mountains
are said to do both. All manner of Wild Fruits that are
palatable, some of which they dry and keep against the
Winter, such as Huckle Berries, and several other sorts
of Berries, Wall-nuts, Chesnuts, Hazel-Nuts, Chinkapins,
Acorns, and many other Fruits, as Peaches which they dry
and make Quidonies and Cakes of, that are very pleasant,
grateful, and cooling, but a little Tartish.
Rockahomine-Meal, which is made of their Maze, or
Indian-Corn parched or pounded, and made into several
sorts
of North Carolina. 289
sorts of Bread, Ears of Corn roasted in the Summer, and
preserved against Winter. Ground-Nuts, or Wild Potatoes,
Oil of Acorns and Wild Pigeons, which they make use of
as we do Butter, and several other things that are to be met
with in great plenty amongst them. They eat young Wasps
when they are white in the Combs, before they can fly, which
is esteemed a very great dainty amongst them, as likewise
Gourds, Mellons, Cucumbers, Squashes, Semblens, and
Pulse of all sorts. Tho’ their Grounds be very fertile and
able to produce much more than they do; yet they are con-
tented to live upon a little, and what small quantity of
Indian-Corn they have is brought forth by the Industry of
their Wives, who instead of Ploughs (of which they have
none, nor Creatures fit for tillage) cultivate and dig the
Ground with Wooden Spades and Hoes made after their
own Fashion, the Men’s minds being wholly taken up in
Hunting, especially till they are about 50 Years of Age.
The Victuals are common throughout the whole kindred
and relations, and often to the whole Town, and especially
when they are in their Hunting Quarters, then they all fare
alike, there being little or no distinction observed amongst
them in their eating. It is very strange to see in all the
Places where they have been formerly settled, or had their
Towns near the Salt Waters, what vast quantities of Oyster-
shells are to be met with on the Banks of the Rivers, in such
heaps, that it is surprizing to behold them: One might
reasonably imagine (by such great quantities as are there)
that they scarce lived upon any thing else, or that they must
have been settled many hundred Years in one Place, which
is not common amongst them, being a People always shift-
ing from one place to another, as their Fancies lead them.
19 Oo These
290 The Natural History
These Savages live in Wigwams, or Cabins, built with
Poles and the Bark of Trees; their Houses are made oval,
or round like an Oven, to prevent any Damage by hard gales
of Wind, which are common in this Country. They make
the Fire in the middle of the House, and have a Hole at
the top of the Roof, right above the Fire, to let out the
Smoak. These Dwellings are as hot as Stoves, where they
sweat and sleep all Night; the Floors are never paved or
swept, so that the Earth is always loose, much resembling
the poor Cabbins that are to be met with in several parts of
Ireland, only the Indians having such plenty of Wood, make
no earthen Walls to theirs. The Bark they generally make
their Cabbins with is Cypress, or red or white Cedar; some-
times when they are a great way distant from any of the
Woods, they make use of the Pine Bark, which is the worst
sort to cover their Houses with. In building these Houses
they get long Poles of Pine, Cedar, Ash, Hickery, or any
Wood that will bend; these Poles are generally about the
thickness of a Man’s Leg at the thickest end, stript of the
Bark, and well warmed in the Fire, which makes them tough
and pliable. Then they make sharp points on the thickest
ends, and stick them fast in the Ground, about two yards
asunder, in a circular Form, the distance they design the
Cabin, then they bend the tops and bring them together,
after which they bind their Ends with Bark of Trees, that
is proper for that use, such as Him, or the long black Moss
that grows on Trees, which seldom rots; then they brace
them with other Poles to make them strong and firm; lastly,
they cover them all over with Barks of Trees (except a hole
to let out the Smoak) that they are warm and tight, and will
keep firm against Wind and Weather. These are all the
kind of Dwellings that are to be met with throughout all
the
of North Carolina. 291
the Nations of the Indians, in these parts of America, except
the civilized Kings, who of late have Houses fashioned and
built after the manner that the Christians build theirs.
These Dwelling-Houses have Benches all round, except
where the Door stands, whereon they lay Beasts Skins and
Mats made of Rushes, on which they sleep and loll, having
no other Beds but these. In one of these Houses several
Families commonly live together, all related to one another,
for these Savages do not seem so very careful of their Fe-
males as the Huropeans, having no Bars or Partitions to
keep the Men at a distance from the Women. ‘They have
other sorts of Cabins made without Windows or Holes at
the top, which are their Granaries, where they keep their
Corn and Fruit for Winter, or Store-Houses for their Deer or
Bever Skins, and all other kind of Merchandize that they deal
in. They have Cabbins of another kind made like a Shead,
being only covered over head, the rest left open to the Air;
these have Reed Hurdles like Tables to lie and sit on in
Summer, and serve for pleasant Banqueting Houses in the
extremity of the hot Weather.
As for Liquors they have little or none made amongst
them, neither were they acquainted with any kind of intoxi-
cating Liquors before the arrival of the Christians; content-
ing themselves with the pure Element, but they are now
become very great Drinkers of Rum, and will part with any
thing they have to purchase it; when they are a litile mellow,
they are the most impatient Creatures living, ’till they have
enough to make them quite drunk, and then they are often
the most miserable Spectacles in Nature, frequently tumb-
ling into the Fire, and burning their Arms and Legs to that
degree, that the Sinews are contracted, and they become
Cripples all their Lives after; besides several other misfor-
Oo: tunes
292 The Natural History
tunes which attend them during their Drunkenness, as break-
ing their Bones and Joints, with many other melancholly
Accidents, yet none sufficient to deter them from this Prac-
tice. Drunkenness is a Vice so common amongst them (if
they can obtain strong Liquors) that they drop down and
lie quite naked, in such brutish Postures as are not fit to be
named. ‘These base Dispositions are principally owing to the
meanness of their Education, being strangers to all Arts and
Sciences, and the Knowledge of other Countries, which ren-
ders them insensible of that Virtue and Decency which other
Nations value at so high a Rate.
The chief and only Liquor they admire is Rum, which
they generally drink without any mixture; this the Huro-
peans bring in amongst them, and buy Deer-Skins, Furrs,
and other Commodities with; they will freely sell or part
with any thing they have in the World (except their Wives
and Children) rather than not accomplish their Designs.
They sometimes commit such brutalities and enormous Vices,
as are not fit to be mentioned ; yet there are some few amongst
them that will not drink any strong Liquors.
In the Year 1708, the Governour summoned all the Jn-
dian Kings and Rulers in North-Carolina to meet, in order
to make a firm and lasting Peace between the Christians
and Indians: At which publick Meeting, the Indian Kings
and Rulers desired, that in the conclusion of this Peace, it
might be enacted that no Rum shou’d be Sold to them, which
was accordingly granted, and a Law made by the English,
which inflicted a penalty on any white Men that sold Rum
to the Indians. But this Law was never strictly observed or
put in force, because the young Indians were so disgusted at
that Article, that they threatn’d to kill the Indians that had
a Hand in making it, unless it were speedily laid aside, and
that
of North Carolina. 293
that they might have Rum sold them as usual when they
went to the Christians Houses to buy it.
They likewise often times in their Drunken frolicks cut
off their Hair and sell it to the Christians, which is looked
upon amongst them as the greatest disgrace imaginable; and
the only affront that can be offered them is to desire them to
sell their Hair, when they are sober and free from Liquors.
The Indians are very revengful, notwithstanding they
always conceal their resentments, but never forget an injury
done, till they have received Satisfaction; yet they are the
freest People from Heats and passions (which so frequently
possess the Huropeans) of any People I have ever seen or
heard of. They never call any one to an Account for what
they do when they are Drunk, but say it was the Drink that
caused his misbehaviour, therefore he ought to be forgiven:
Neither will they frequent any Christians House that is given
to Passion, nor will ever buy or sell with him, if they can
get the same commodities they have occasion for from any
other Person; for they say such kind of People are mad
Wolves and no Men. They seldom or never fight with one
another, unless when they are Drunk, nor shall you ever
hear any Scolding amongst them. For they say the Huro-
peans are always rangling and uneasy with each other, and
wonder they do not go out of this World, since they are so
uneasy and discontented in it. Neither do they shew the
least sign of being dejected or cast down at the greatest
calamities that can attend them, except it be the loss of
Friends. For it is remarkable, that all other losses and mis-
fortunes end in Laughter, for if their Cabbins should take
Fire, and all their Goods be burnt therein (notwithstanding
all will strive to save what they can whilst there is any possi-
bility, and prevent any farther damage) yet such a misfor-
tune
294 The Natural History
tune generally ends in a hearty fit of Laughter. But if any
of their kinsfolks have lost their Lives in the Flames, it is
then the Case is altered, and they become very pensive and
mourn for a considerable time, which always bears Propor-
tion to the dignity of the Person deceased, and the number
of Relations he had near him, who make a horrid howling
during that time.
The Indian Women are never known to scold, and it is a
thing impossible to hear them make use of that unruly Mem-
ber the Tongue, with such Rage and Malice as our Huropean
Dames are subject to, whom I could wish would set these
Indians for a Pattern, by which means there would be more
Quietness and better Harmony in most Families, than at
present is to be met with. For when these Indian Women
are provoked or affronted by their Husbands, or any other
Persons, they resent the Indignity offered them in Silence,
Tears, or by refusing their Meat; these being always cer-
tain Signs that they have been injured and Aftronted.
Neither are the Men Passionate, or over hasty to act any
Affair with too much haste or impetuosity, never determin-
ing any Business of Moment without the greatest Delibera-
tion and Wariness imaginable, being more content with com-
mon Accidents and Misfortunes incident to human Nature
(such as Losses, contrary Winds, bad Weather, Poverty and
the like) than People of more civilized Nations. I never
felt any ill or unsavoury smell in their Cabins, whereas
should we live in our Houses as they do, we should be poi-
soned with our own Nastiness; which confirms these Indians
to be, as they certainly are, some of the sweetest People in
the World.
Their Women when they are young, and at Maturity, are
fine shaped Creatures (take them in general) as any in the
Universe; and though they are of a tawny Complexion
(which
of North Carolina. 295
(which is very much occasioned by their being so much ex-
posed to the Weather, and their continual daubing and paint-
ing themselves with Bear’s Oil, and other Ingredients mixed
with it) yet their Features are very good, their Eyes Black
and Amorous, and their Smiles afford the finest composure
a Face can possess.
Their Hands are of the finest make, with small long taper
Fingers, and as soft as their Cheeks, the whole Body being
of a smooth Nature, with Limbs of the most exquisite shape.
They are Mercenary, except the Married Women, who some-
times bestow their Favours on whom they like best, in their
Husbands absence, for which they never take any Reward:
As for the report that some might have heard of them, that
they are never found inconstant like the Huropean Women,
it is intirely false; for were the old World and the New, put
into a pair of Scales (in point of Constancy and Chastity) it
would be a hard matter to descern which was the heavier.
As for the Trading Girls, which are those designed to get
Money by Prostitution, these are easily known, by a particu-
lar Tonsure, or cut of their Hair, differing from all others
of that Nation, who are not of their Profession; which
Method is to prevent Mistakes, for these Savages are desir-
ous (if possible) to keep their Wives to themselves, as well
as those in other Parts of the World.
When any Addresses are made to one of these Girls, she
immediately acquaints her Parents therewith, and they tell
the King of it (provided he that courts her for a Bedfellow
be a stranger) his Majesty being most commonly principle
Baud of the Nation he rules over, there being seldom any
of these Love-bargains made or concluded without his Royal
Assent. He likewise advises her what Bargain to make with
her Gallant, who shews some Toys he has to present her
with: But if it happens to be an Indian Trader, that wants
one
296 The Natural History
one of them for a Bedfellow, and has got Rum to sell, he
always fees the King with a large Dram, to confirm the
Match.
When any such Question is proposed to these Savages,
they will debate the Matter amongst themselves with all the
sobriety and seriousness imaginable, every one of the Girls
Relations arguing the Advantage or Disadvantage that may
ensue from such a Nights Encounter, all which is done with
as much steadiness and reality, as if it were the greatest
Concern in the World, not so much as one Person shall be
seen to smile so long as the Debate lasts, making no manner
of difference betwixt an Agreement of this Nature, and any
other Bargain. If they comply with the Men’s desire, then a
particular Bed is provided for them either in a Cabin by
themselves, or else all the young People turn out to another
Lodging, that they might not spoil sport betwixt these Lovers,
and if the old People are in the same Cabin along with them
all Night, they lye as unconcern’d as if they were so many
Statues or logs of Wood, in nowise offering to disturb them,
and that the Man may have the Satisfaction of his new pur-
chase, which pleasure is sometimes bought at too dear a rate.
If it be an Indian of their own Town or Neighbourhood that
wants a Mistress, he comes to none but the Girl who receives
what presents she thinks fit to ask, and so lyes with him all
Night without the knowledge or previous consent of her
Parents or Relations. This familiarity so kindles lust, that
the young Men will likewise go in the Night time from one
House to another to visit the young Women, after which
rambling manner they frequently spend the whole Night.
In their adresses they find no delays, for if she is willing
to entertain the Man, she gives him encouragement, and
grants him admittance, otherwise she withdraws her Face
from
of North Carolina. 297
from him and says, J cannot see you, either you or I must
leave this Cabin and sleep some where else this Night. This
repulse makes him immediately withdraw, and address him-
self to some more kind Mistress, that will accept of his
favours. Neither doth it displease the Parents, that their
Daughters are thus acquainted, knowing by these Means that
they can command the young Men to help them in any Work
or Business they have occasion to use them in.
They set apart the youngest and prittiest Faces for trad-
ing Girls, who are remarkably known by a particular Ton-
sure in their Hair (as I said before) which distinguishes
them from those engaged to Husbands; for what is accounted
amongst us as most Criminal, are taken for slender Tres-
passes amongst them; for if a young Man can get a Favour
of his Neighbour’s Daughter, it is looked upon as a slight
Offence, because they are not permitted to Marry without
the King’s Approbation, which is seldom before they are
twenty Years of age.
These Girls are generally very Mercenary, and whoever
make use of them, engages them with some gratuity or other,
the principal part whereof is for the King’s use, exercising
his prerogative over all the Stews of his Nation, his own
Cabbin being very often the chief Brothel House. As they
grow in Years, the hot assaults of Love grow cooler, and then
they become more staid and constant to their Husbands. if
engaged ; many of them after their Engagement or Marriage,
are so reserved, that they will admit of no other to their Km-
braces but their Husbands.
These trading Girls, after they have led that course of Life
several Years, in which time they scarce ever have a Child,
for it is supposed that they have some particular Secret, or
Pp Method
298 The Natural History
Method (with Herbs) by which they prevent Conception,
till they are married, and then never fail to be fruitful.
But if it should happen, that she brings forth a Child whilst
she follows this lewd course of Life, she is not only accounted
a Fool, but her Reputation is very much lessened thereby, at
last they grow weary of the Address of so many Men, and
betake themselves to a married State, or to the Company of
one Man; neither does their having been common to so many,
occasion any Blemish in their Reputation, or hinderance to a
Husband, but rather a Promotion; for they say, That a
Woman living otherwise, is not worth a Man's acceptance,
and never makes a good Wife.
The Men are never to boast of Intrigues with the Women, if
they do, none of the Girls will admit of their Company to their
Beds, or have any regard for them afterwards. This is not
out of any tender Regard they have for their Reputations,
for there is no such thing (on that Account) known amongst
them; although we may reckon them the greatest Libertines
in the pursuit of their Pleasures, and most extravagant in
their Embraces, yet they retain and possess a modesty that
requires those Passions never to be revailed, or made known
to the World.
The Woman is not punished for Adultery (this and For-
nication being not so much as looked upon as a Sin amongst
them) but the Gallant is obliged to make the injured Hus-
band Satisfaction, which is the Law of Nations, and prac-
ticed amongst all the Indians; the Gallant that strives to
evade such Satisfaction as the Husband demands, lives daily
in danger of his Life: But when those Reparations are
made him, that he is satisfied, with all Animosities cease,
and he is laughed at by the whole Nation, for carrying on
his
of North Carolina. 299
his Intrigue with no better Conduct, than to be discovered,
and pay so dear for his Pleasure.
The Indians say, that a Woman is a weak Creature, and
easily drawn away by the Man’s persuasion; for which rea-
son they seldom or never lay any blame on the Woman, but
the Man (that ought to be Master of his Passions) for per-
suading her to it.
They are of very hale sound Constitutions, and their
Breath as sweet as the Air they breath in: The Women are
of so tender a Composition, that they seem rather designed
for the Bed than Bondage; yet their Love is never of that
extensive force or continuance, that any of them run mad
or make away with themselves on that score. They never
love beyond retrieving their first indifferency, and when
slighted, are as ready to untie the Knot at one end, as you
are at the other.
I knew an Huropean Man that lived many Years amongst
the Indians, and had a Child by one of their Women, having
bought her as they do their Wives, and afterwards married a
Christian. Sometimes after he came to the Indian Town,
not only to buy Deer-Skins, but likewise to pass away a Night
with his former Mistress as usual, but she made answer,
That she then had forgot that she ever knew him, and that
she never lay with another Woman’s Husband ; so fell a ery-
ing, took up the Child she had by him, and went out of the
Cabin in great Disorder, although he used all possible means
to pacifie her, by offering her Presents of several Toys and
Rum, but all to no purpose, for she would never see him
afterwards, or be reconciled.
There are several Europeans and other Traders which
travel and abide amongst them for a long space of Time,
sometimes a Year, two or three, and those Men commonly
have their Indian Wives or Mistresses, whereby they soon
Pp: learn
300 The Natural History
learn the Indian Tongue, and keep in good Friendship with
them, besides the satisfaction they have of a Bedfellow, they
find these Girls very serviceable to them upon several occa-
sions; especially in dressing their Victuals, and instructing
them in the Affairs and Customs of the Country; moreover
they get a great Trade amongst them; but the Person that is
reserved, and doth not thus converse with their Women, it is
difficult for him to accomplish his Designs amongst the Na-
tives.
One great misfortune that generally attend the Christians
that converse with these Women as Husbands, is, that they
get Children by them, which are seldom otherwise brought
up or educated than in the wretched state of Infidelity ; for
it is a certain Rule and Custom amongst all the Savages in
America (as far as I could learn) to let all the Children fall
to the Woman’s Lot;- for it frequently happens, that two
Indians, that have lived together as Man and Wife for many
Years, in which time they have had several Children, if they
part, and another takes her to be his Wife, all the Children go
along with the Mother; and therefore on this Account it is a
difficult matter for the Christians ever to get the Children they
have had by these Indian Women away from them, to bring
them up in the Knowledge of the true God, and the Principles
of the Christian Faith, that they live in a miserable state of
Darkness and Infidelity all the Days of their lives. It is very
surprizing, that several Christians that are accustomed to the
Conversation of these Women and their way of living, have
been so infatuated and allured with that careless sort of life,
as to continue with their Indian Wife, and her Relations so
long as they lived, without ever desiring to return again
among the Christians, though they had several Opportuni-
ties,
of North Carolina. 301
ties, and considerable Advantages offered them. Of these
lost and unfortunate sort of People (as I may properly term
them) there are some living amongst the Savage Indians of
Carolina to this Day, with whom I have frequently con-
versed, and exhorted them to return to the Christians, from
the Indians, and their abominable Practices, and likewise
reminding them of what our Saviour Jesus Curist said,
That where two or three are gathered together in his Name,
he will grant their Request, which they would not accept, but
voluntary remained amongst them. I likewise urged many
other Reasons and Texts of Scripture, but all to no purpose,
neither could I have any satisfactory Answer from them for
their obstinate and dangerous way of living.
The Indians being of several Nations, have as different
Customs amongst them, and he that is the greatest Warrior,
or the best Hunter, is sure to be the greatest favorite amongst
the Women. The prettiest Girls are always bestowed upon
the chief Men, and ugliest upon the lazy and useless Lubbers,
as to the Ceremony of Marriage they have none amongst
them, for the Girls at Twelve or Fourteen years of Age, or as
soon as Nature prompts them, freely bestow their favours on
some Youth about the same Age, and so continues them to
whom she likes best, changing her Mate as often as she
pleases; for few or none of them are constant to one, ’till
the greater number of Years has made her capable of man-
aging her Domestick Affairs; and that she hath try’d the vig-
our of most of the Nation she belongs to; for the multiplicity
of Gallants beforehand are no objection or stain to a Females
Reputation, or hindrance to her advancement, for the more
she hath followed that course of Life, the more she is valued
and respected, and coveted by those of the first Rank amongst
them
302 The Natural History
them to make a Wife of: So that a Virgin, so much esteemed
and coveted by the Huropeans, is in little value or request
amongst them.
When a Man or Woman is arrived at a certain age of Ma-
turity, and has passed the Ceremonies practiced by their
Nation, and other Graduations and Qualifications amongst
them, and are allowed to be Housekeepers, it is then he makes
his Addresses to one or other of these for a Wife: When he
has obtained her consent, the Parents of both Parties (with
the consent of the King), agree about the matter, making a
promise of their Daughter to the Man that requires her for a
Wife; and it often happens that they converse and travel
together several Moons before they are acknowledged as
Man and Wife, or the Marriage published openly, these
being Customs allowed amongst them in all parts. After
this, the Man upon the least disgust or dislike may turn
her away, and take another: But if she should disapprove
of his Company, a Price is set upon her, and whoever takes
her, is obliged to pay the Fine to the former Husband, then
she becomes free from him, and is the latters Wife.
Sometimes their Captains of War and great Men keep
three or four of these Girls for their own use, when at the
same time they are so impotent and old as to be incapable to
make use of one of them, but these will always have their
Due, if there be either Huropean or Indian that will accept
of their Favours.
The Husband is never so displeas’d or enrag’d with the
Adulteress, as to put her to Death, or even to inflict any
grievous punishments on her, though she be caught in the
very fact. But the rival becomes Debtor to the cornuted
Husband in some few trifles of little value amongst the Huro-
peans (yet much esteemed amongst them) which when paid,
all
of North Carolina. 303
all animosities cease, and are laid aside between the Husband
and the Wife’s gallant, otherwise they are a treacherous gen-
eration when thus injurd.
They will even sometimes let out their Wives for a Night
or two for a gratuity, and sometimes to oblige their Neigh-
bours or intimate Friends, especially their great Men, nor
do they reckon their Wives Whores for lying with those that
are as good or better then themselves, and sometimes to grati-
fie their Wives Inclinations. A custom much like this we
read of amongst the Britains, which was a Society of Wives
among certain Numbers, and by common consent. Every
Man married a single Woman, who was always after, and
alone, esteem’d his Wife. But it was usual for 5. 6. 10. 12.
or more either Brothers or Friends as they coud agree to
have all their Wives in common, so that encounters happen’d
amongst them as they were invited by desire, or favoured by
opportunity. Yet every Woman’s Children was attributed
to him that had Married her, but all had a share in the care
and defence of the whole Society, since no Man knew which
were his own. Such were the People and the customs of the
Britons when the Romans invaded their Island under the
Ensignes of Julius Cesar.
But to return, when a young Indian has a mind for such
a Girl for his Wife, he, or some one for him goes (as I before
observed) to the young Woman’s Father or Mother, if living,
if not, to the nearest Relations, where he or they make offers
of the Match betwixt them; the Relations reply, they will
consider of it: This serves for a sufficient Answer, ’till there
be a second meeting about it, where they seriously debate the
Affair amongst themselves, the King being commonly pres-
ent, and most of the great Men, who all give their Opin-
ion about it, which if they agree upon, the Woman is imme-
diately
304 The Natural History
diately called to know how she approves of the Man (for as
it is reported, they never give their Children in Marriage
without their consent) for a Husband; if she approves and
is satisfied, the Man pays so much for his Wife, and the
handsomer she is, bears the greater price. It sometimes
happens that the Man has not Effects enough to pay the Pur-
chase for her; but if he be known to be a good Hunter, that
he can raise and pay the Fine agreed upon in so many Moons,
or such a limited Time as they propose, she is obliged to go
along with him as betrothed, but he is not to have carnal
Knowledge of her ’till all the Obligation or Payment is dis-
charged. This is punctually observed, and then she is his
Wife.
Thus they live together under one covering for several
Months (till the obligation is fulfill’d) and the Woman re-
mains the same as she was when she first came to him, as I
have been inform’d by the Indians themselves. I am per-
swaded that there are but few of the Huropeans but what
wou’d break through these customs, if they had the same
opportunities and Liberties allowed them. But the Indians
are not so vigorous and impetient in the pursuit of Love,
and gratifying their desires as the Huropeans are, yet
the Women are quite contrary; and those Indian Girls that
have frequently conversed with the Huropeans, never much
eare for the conversation of their own Country-men after-
wards. They never marry so near as a first Cousin, yet they
are allowed to marry two Sisters, or his Brothers Wife; and
although there is nothing more coveted amongst them than
to marry a Woman of their own tribe or Nation, which con-
sists of very few People, so that they are all of them related
to one another, yet they are obliged to look out for Hus-
bands and Wives amongst strangers and People of another
Nation. If an Jndian should lie with his own Sister (and
that
of North Carolina. 305
that she proves with Child, or it is otherwise known) or any
other near Relations, his Body is immediately Burnt, and
the Ashes thereof thrown into the River, as unworthey to re-
main upon the EKarth. Neither is Sodomy, that Beastly Ac-
tion known amongst them, nor have they a Name for that
abominable Sin in all their Languages.
These Marriages amongst them are no longer binding than
the Man and Woman agree together, for either have liberty
to leave each other upon any frivolous excuse. Both Men
and Women commonly marry four or five times before they
can settle to their Content; for when they thus marry, they
do not intend to bind themselves for as long time as they
shall live, but for as long only as they shall agree together
and love each other: If they grow weary or discontented
with each other, they may separate, which is equally allowed
to both Parties. Thus they part without any clamour or
noise, and perfectly indifferent to each other afterwards, and
take no more Notice when they meet, than if they had never
seen one another, and wonder that the Huropeans do not fol-
low the same course: But whoever takes the Woman that
was another Man’s before, and bought by him (as they all
are) must certainly pay to her former Husband whatsoever
he gave for her: But if he sends her away without any
Cause, she keeps the Presents given her before Marriage:
If she be a Widow, and her Husband died in Debt, whoever
takes her to be his Wife, pays all her late Husband’s Obliga-
tions, be they never so many; for the Woman is not required
or obliged to pay any thing (unless she is willing so to do)
that was owing from her Husband, so long as she lives single.
But if a Man courts her for a Nights Lodging, and obtains
it, if the Creditors have knowledge of it, they will make him
20 Qq pay
306 The Natural History
pay the Husband’s Debts, then he may if he pleases, take
her to be his Wife, or sell her to another for his own or a less
Purchase.
There are several of these kind of Bargains made in a Day
amongst them (the Women never living the worse for this
kind of Traftick) for the Men will sell their Wives at their
publick Meetings, as Men do Horses and other Cattle at a
Fair or Market with us: A Man is not only allowed to
change as often as he pleases, but likewise to have as many
Wives as he is able to maintain, though they are seldom
known to live with more than one at a time, except it be their
great Men, such as War-Captains, &c. The Women have
very easy travail with their Children; sometime they bring
forth Twins, and are frequently brought to Bed by them-
selves, when taken at a disadvantage; not but that they have
Midwives as well as Doctors amongst them, who make it
their Profession (for Gain) to assist and deliver Women:
Some of these Midwives are very knowing in several Mede-
eins that the Country naturally produces, which most cer-
tainly expedite and make easy Births, besides they are un-
acquainted with those severe Pains that follow the Birth in
European Women. Their Remedies are a great cause of this
easiness in that state, for the Women will run up and down
their Plantations the same Day they are delivered, without
any sign of Pain or Sickness; yet they look very meager
and thin, not but that we must allow a great deal to be owing
to the Climate, and the natural Constitution of the Women,
whose Courses of Nature never visit them in such quantities
as the European Women have; although they always have
plenty of Milk, I never saw an Indian Woman have large
Breasts, which is common amongst the Blacks or Negroe
Women, they having the largest and ugliest of any that are
to
of North Carolina. 307
to be met with; neither does the youngest Wife amongst the
Indiams ever fail of proving so good a Nurse, as to bring up
her Child free from the Rickets, and disasters that proceed
from the T'eeth, with many other Distempers which are fre-
quent amongst the Children in Hurope.
They let their Children (amongst whom are many Olive
Beauties) suck ’till they are well grown, unless they prove
big with Child sooner than usual. They always nurse their
own Children themselves, unless Sickness or Death prevents
them. I only once saw a Nurse hired to give Suck to an
Indian Woman’s Child, the Mother happening to have a fit
of sickness not long after her delivery; by which not only her
Strength was much impaired, but likewise the Milk in her
Breasts. As soon as the Child is born, they wash it in cold
Water in the next Stream or River, then anoint or bedaub it
all over with Bear’s Grease and other Ingredients, as I have
before observed; after their Delivery they wash themselves
in the Waters, and absent themselves from the Company of
Men for forty Days. The Husband takes care to provide a
Cradle, which is soon made, consisting only of a piece of flat
Wood that they hew with their Hatchets to the likeness of a
Board, about two Feet long and a Foot broad, to this they
brace and tie the Child very close, having near the middle a
Stick fastned about two Inches from the Board, for the
Child’s Breech to rest on, under this they put a Wad of Moss
that receives the Child’s Excrements, by which means they
can very readily shift the Moss, and keep all clean and sweet.
They are apt to have the Bodies and Heads of their Children
flat, which is owing to these kind of Cradles, yet they are the
most portable things that can be invented, there being a
String from one corner of the Board to the other, whereby
Qq: the
308 The Natural History
the Mother slings the Child on her Back, so that the Infant’s
Back is towards hers, and it’s Face to the Sky; if it rains,
she throws her Leather or Woolen Match-coat over her Head,
which covers her all over, and secures her and the Child
from the injury of the Weather. These being the only kind
of Cradles that are common throughout all America.
The Women quit all manner of Company, neither do they
dress their own Victuals during their Purgation; after they
have had several Children, they grow strangely out of Shape
in their Bodies; as for Barreness it is seldom or never known
amongst them, their Women most commonly proving very
fruitful, especially after Marriage, every Cabin being full of
Children, who are taught as soon as they grow up to Fish,
and Hunt in the Woods, and to do what is necessary about
their Houses, viz. to beat Indian Corn, and the like, for they
do not take the least Care of their Education, being strangers
to all Arts and Sciences, so that they lead a very idle Life.
They name their Children according to their own Fancies,
which is quite different to either the Father or Mother’s
Name. This Name they keep (if a Boy) ’till they arrive to
the Age of a Hunter, or a Warrior, which is commonly at
sixteen or seventeen Years, then they take a Name to them-
selves as they think proper, some being called Hagle, Tyger,
Panther, Alligator, or some such wild Creature, esteeming
nothing on Earth worthy to give them a Name, but such kind
of Wildfowl or Beasts. Some likewise take the Names of
some Fish, which they keep as long as they live.
They number their Age by Moons or Winters, and say a
Woman or a Man is so many Moons or Winters old, and so
they do with all memorable Actions in life, accounting it to
he
of North Carolina. 309
be so many Moons or Winters since such or such a thing hap-
pened. They likewise can guess tollerably well at the time
of the Day by the height of the Sun. Though they have no
different Names for Sun or Moon, yet they understand the
latters Age, having no other Computation of Time but after
this manner.
They have no Sabbath, or certain Days of Rest appointed
for Devotion amongst them, that I ever could observe, except
we will allow of their Feasts to be their festival Days, set
appart for that purpose. However those that are frequently
amongst the Christians, and speak the English Tongue, know
very well when it is Sunday, or the English Man's Gods Day,
as they term it. In these Parts they have likewise a particu-
lar and distinct Name for Christmas, which they call Winick-
keshuse, or the Hnglish-Man’s Gods Moon.
They name the Months according to what mostly is pro-
duced or taken in each of them, as one is called Herring-
month, which is March, another the Strawberry-month,
which is April, another the Mulberry-month, or May; others
name them by Trees that bud or blossom at particular Sea-
sons of the Year, such as the Dogwood-tree, Tulip-tree, and
many others. Others again make out their Seasons from
the flight of Birds, suth as Swans, and many other Fowl,
and some from the Gobling of Turkey Cocks, which is in
March, and April; for when they are out in their Hunting
matches they say they will returne Home when the Turkey
Cock begin to Gobble.
The Indians are not Jealous like the Spaniards and other
European Nations, neither do they know what Jealousy is,
because they never think their Wives unconstant unless they
are Eye witnesses thereof. They are generally bashful,
especially the young Maids, who when they come into a
strange
310 The Natural History
strange Cabin where they are not acquainted, never ask for
any thing, though they be ever so Hungry or Thirsty, but
sit down without speaking a Word, till some of the House
ask them some Questions, or fall into discourse with the
Stranger.
The Women (as I observ’d before) never Scold with each
other, and no People in the World more tender and Indul-
gent of their Children, so that they seldom or never correct
or chastise them, which I am perswaded is a very great rea-
son that they are not given to Scold (like the Huropeans)
when they come to Men and Women’s Estate.
They have few or no complements amongst them, except
shaking of Hands, and scratching on the shoulder, which are
the greatest marks of affection and sincerity that can be
shewed amongst them, not only to Strangers but to each
other. And it is worthy of observation, to see when the War
Captains (who are Men of the greatest esteem amongst them,
next the King) come to the Cabins of the inferior Indians,
that at his departure they scratch his shoulder, which is
look’d upon amongst them, as the greatest honour, Comple-
ment, or marke of distinction they can confer on so great a
Man.
They do not express Fare you well, but when they leave
the House or Company will say, I go straight away, which
is to intimate their departure, and if the Man of the House
has any Message to send by the Person going he may acquaint
them therewith. Neither does their Language allow them
to say, Sir, I am your Servant, because they have little or
no Degrees of Quality or Titles for Man, only King, War
Captain, Old-man, or Young-Man, which respect the stations
and Circumstances, that Men are employed in or arrived to,
and not Ceremony. Neither is the Name of Master so much
as known amongst them. And as for Servant, they have no
such
of North Carolina. 311
such thing, except Slave, for their Dogs, Cats, Wild and Do-
mestick Beasts and Birds are call’d by the same Name, for
the Indian-word for Slave includes them all; so when an
Indian tells you, he has got a Slave for you, it may (in gen-
eral terms as they use) be a young Hagle, a Dog, Possam,
Ottor, or any other thing of that Nature, which is obsequi-
ously to depend on the Master for its Sustenance.
When the Huropeans come in amongst them to their
Towns, though perhaps the Indians are well acquainted with
some of them, yet not one of them will speak to them, till the
King pays the first complement, which is shaking of Hands,
and biding them welcome, after him the War Captains, Doc-
tors or Priests so on gradually from high to low, not one of
all these speaking to the Huropean till his superior has ended
his Salutation. After all this Ceremony is over then every
Indian has liberty to speak and converse with his Huropean
acquaintance, this being an honour due to the King and his
great Men, which is most strictly observed amongst them.
It is common amongst the Huropean traders who trafick
with the Indians, if they find no Body at Home, to make
use of their Huts, or Cabins and other necessaries that they
find in them, such as Indian Corn, Peas, Beans, Chinkapin,
Nuts, Wall-nuts, and several other Nuts, and Fruits, Pzg-
eon's,Orl, Barbacwd Venison, Peaches, and Peach-Bread,
these Peaches are likewise made into a Quiddony, and then
into Loaves like Barley Cakes, which cut into thin Slices
and disolved in Water, make a very greatful and cooling
Drink, all which they allow the Christian Traders to do, in
lieu whereof they most commonly leave some small gratuity
such as T’obacco, Beads, or some other Trifles of this Nature,
(which are kindly received and acknowledged by them) and
then proceed on their intended Journey.
The
312 The Natural History
The Women’s dress in severe and cold Weather are Peti-
coats, Blankets, or Tail-clouts (which of late they have pur-
chased from the Huropeans) or a Hairy Match-coat made in
the nature of a Plad of the Skins of several wild Beasts,
which keeps out the Cold, and (as I said before) defends
their Children from the prejudices of the Weather, at other
times they have only a kind of flap or Apron containing two
Yards in length, and better than half a Yard deep, to cover
the Privities, which is done only for decency, both Men and
Women being accustomed from their infancy to an entire
Nakedness, for they go with their Feet, Body, and Head
bear, all seasons of the Year. Others wear Blue or Red
Flaps made of Bays and Plains, which they buy from the
Europeans, both of which they tuck in at the Corners, to
fasten that kind of Garment, and at other times they make
it fast with a Belt: Sometimes they wear Meggizons or
Indian Shoes made of Deer-Skins, after the manner as the
Men’s are. Some of them likewise have in Winter Blue or
Red Stuff fastned about their Legs instead of Stockins.
The Hair of their Head is made into a long Roll like a
Horses-tail, and adorned or bound round with Ronoak or
Procelan, a kind of Beads they make of Conk-shells, which
is the Money the Indians make use of in these parts. Others
that have not this, make a Leather string or some pieces of
Green or Red Stuff serve, others adorne their Hair with
Beautiful Flowers and Feathers of several Birds: After
this manner they make their appearance, when they come
along with their Husbands amongst the Christians.
The Men have Match-coats of Hair, Furs, Feathers, or
Cloth, and their Hair rolled upon each Ear as the Women’s,
only much shorter, and frequently a Roll on the Crown of
their Head and Temples, as they fancy, there being no great
nicety
of North Carolina. 313
nicety or strictness in their Dress. They make their Stock-
ins of pieces of Blue or Red Cloath, which they fasten about
their Legs with small Splinters made of bits of the Pitch
pine-wood, or any other Wood. Others fasten them on with
Strings on the out side of the Leg like Buskins. Sometimes
they wear great Bobs in their Ears, others in the holes thereof
put Hagles and other Birds Feathers for a Trophy ; when they
kill any Fowl, they commonly pluck of the downy Feathers
and stick them all over their Heads, which make them appear
more frightful than Ornamental, and more like People dis-
tracted than in their Senses: At other times both Men and
Women wear great Belts and Necklaces of their Money made
of Conk-shells, and often times Bracelets made of Brass and
Tron-wire, and several other Toys which they purchase from
the Christians.
Others have their Hair made up in long rolls, wherein
are tied several bits of Stuff of various colours, such as Yel-
low, Green, and Red, and the like, as the Women do. Be-
twixt their Legs comes a piece of Cloth that is tuck’d in like
a Belt both before and behind; this is contrived to hide
their Nakedness, of which Decency they are strict observers,
though never practiced before the Christians came amongst
them. Some wear Shoes of Buck or Bear Skins, which they
will tan in an Hour or two with the Bark of Trees boiled,
wherein they put the Leather whilst hot, and let it remain
a short time, whereby it becomes so qualified, as to endure
Water and Dirt without growing hard. These Moggizons
or Shoes have no Heels, but are made as fit for the Feet, as
a Glove for the Hand, and easie to travel in when one is a
little used to them.
The Feather Match-coats are exceedingly pretty, some of
which are beautifully wrought with variety of Colours and
Rr Figures,
314 The Natural History
Figures, which seem at a distance like a fine flowred Silk-
shag, when new and fresh, they serve a Bed instead of a
Quilt. Some Match-coats are made of Hair, as Racoons,
Beavers, or Squirrell’s Skins, which are very warm. Others
again are made of the green part of the Skin of the Mallards
head, and other Fowls which they stitch or sow perfectly well
together, their Thread being either the Sinews of a Deer
divided very small, or Silk-grass, when these are finished
they look most beautifuly, though they must needs be very
troublesome and tedious to make. But those that have plenty
of Deer Skins frequently buy the Hnglish made Coats, Blan-
kets, &c. yet few are ever known to buy or wear Breeches
(except their Kings and great Men) saying they are too
much confined in them, and prevents their speed in running,
leaping, and other exercises.
There was formerly a Nation of Indians called the Pas-
quotank Indians, who kept Cattle and made Butter, but at
present there is no such thing to be found amongst them or
any other Nation in these Parts; had these inclinations in
those poor Savages met with that encouragement (from the
English and other Europeans settled in North-Carolina)
which in justice, Piety and Virtue (ought to be the practice
of every Christian) I do not doubt but that they wou’d soon
be converted, and with joy embrace the Christian-faith, and
belive us to be a more worthy race of People than them-
selves, by our good Actions and Morals. But on the con-
trary, they have been formerly defrauded of the Lands al-
lotted them, which was the occasion of a long and vexatious
War to the Christians, and it frequently happens (at this
Day) that the Huropeans (which I am sorry I have occasion
to mention) meet those poor Indians in the Woods, and not
only beat and abuse them, but commonly rob them of their
Furs,
of North Carolina. 315
Furs, Deer Skins, and other commodities which they have
acquired with so much pains and fatigue. I have known
several complaints to the Governor of such usage during my
abode in that Country, which shews the greatest ingratitude
in Nature, when we consider how ready these poor Creatures
are to serve and oblige us, in what ever assistance we want
from them. And that in most of the Colonies already
well Peopl’d with Christians, it would be impossible for
them to live (for their own Slaves the Negroes wou’d destroy
them) only for them who upon all occasions are ready to
suppress them when they Rebel against their Masters, which
they frequently do in Virginia and many other parts of
America belonging to the Crown of Hngland.
Their dresses are as different as the Nations to whom they
belong, so that it is impossible to recount all the whimsical
Figures that they commonly make by their Antick dresses.
Besides Carolina is a warm Country, and very mild in its
Winters to what Mary-Land, Pensilvania, New-York, the
Jersies, or New-England are, wherefore our Indian Habits
differ very much from the dresses that are used by the Sav-
ages that inhabit those cold Countries; in regard their chief-
est cloathing for the Winter Season is made of the Furs of
Bevers, Raccoons, and other Northren-Furs, as the Monack-
Moor, Marten, Black-Fox, and many other Beasts that are to
be met with to the Northward, that we are unacquainted
with here.
Their dress in Peace and War are quite different from
some Nations before they go to War, the Women comb out
their Hair and anoint it with Bears-grease, and the Red
Root, and likewise adorn it with Feathers of various beau-
tiful colours, besides Copper, Iron Rings, and sometimes
Wampum or Peak in their Ears. Moreover they buy red
Colours of the Indian Traders, wherewith they Paint their
Rr: Faces
ar
316 The Natural History
Faces all over as red as Vermillion, and commonly make a
circle of Black about one Eye, and another circle of White
about the others, whilst other bedaub their Faces with T’o-
bacco pipe Clay, Lamp black, Black Lead, and divers others
colours, such as Green, Blue, and the like, these they make
with several sorts of Herbs, Minerals, and Earths, that they
get in different parts of the Country where they Hunt and
Travel. When these People are thus Painted they make the
most frightful Figures that can be imitated by Men, and
seem more like Devils out of Hell than any human Creature
upon Earth, the reason why they thus Paint themselves is
because they believe it adds to their Courage and strikes a
terror in their Enemies.
It is worthy of Observation, that whenever you meet them
thus disguis’d or Painted, you may be sure that they are
about some mischief or other, for in all Hostilities that have
ever been acted against the Christians at any time in sev-
eral of the Plantations of America, these Savages always
appear’d in these disguises, whereby they might never after
be discovered or known by the Christians that shoud happen
to see them after they had made their escape; for it is impos-
sible ever to know an Jndian under these Colours, although
he had been ever so often at your House, and you were most
intimatly acquainted with him before he put on this dis-
ouise.
As for the Women, they seldom or never use any Paint
on their Faces, except Bear’s-Grease, or Lamp-black, when
they mourn for their dead; neither do they carry their
Women along with them into the Field of Battle, or when
they intend any Expedition (as they do in many parts of
the Hastren Country) but always leave them at home with
the old Men and Children, to provide all manner of Neces-
saries for them. By their different way of Painting, they
represent
of North Carolina. 317
represent most of the Actions in Life, such as War, Peace,
Feasts, Death, and the like, using different Colours or Paint-
ings suitable to each occasion. When they are thus Painted,
they go to Battle in the following manner: Each Man takes
his Gun, and a sufficient quantity of Powder and Ball, or
if he has not these, his Bow (which is about an Ell long)
and arrows, about eighteen Inches, made of small Canes,
some of them are very artificially headed with sharp Stones,
Shells, Teeth of Fish, or hardned after their manner, the
other End being Feathered with two Feathers, and tied with
the Guts of some Beast when green and moist; each of them
has likewise a Tamahawk or small Hatchet, and Cutlashes,
when they can get them purchased by any means from the
Europeans. They also use Clubs or long Poles (in the ends
whereof they fasten very artificially sharp Stones, or the
Horns of Beasts) and wooden Swords, hardened after their
manner; sometimes they have wooden Breast-plates for their
defence; these being all the Weapons that are made use of
amongst the civilized, and Savage Indians in these parts.
The way of waging War is so harsh, that one must have a
Body of Steel to bear the Fatigues they are obliged to un-
dergo. They give but little Quarters, and if they are taken
Prisoners, they are never exchanged: When one Nation is
engaged in War with another, there is little Valour used,
though they accomplish notable Exploits by Craft and Strat-
agem, for they do not attack each other by open Force, but
dividing themselves into small Parties, twenty five or thirty
Men lie in Ambush near the Village they design to attack,
till Night, then they set upon the Huts that lie dispersed in
the open Country, if they meet with any aged Men they kill
them, cut off their Heads, Hands, and Feet, nay, if they
have
318 The Natural History
have time, cut them all into small pieces, that every one may
take along with him a part, as a signal of his Bravery: But
if the Enemy are alarmed, they are glad to be contented with
the Head alone, or perhaps a Lock of the Hair, which they
carry home in triumph, as an undoubted sign of their Bra-
very. When they intend to do a bold Exploit, they enter a
Village at Night, force open a House, kill all they meet with,
and then betake themselves to their Heels, for fear of being
pursued by their Enemies. If they engage in the open
Field, their chief Design is to draw one another into an
Ambush; but the death of one or two Men commonly decides
the Quarrel, that Party which has lost them, returning im-
mediately.
When they go to War, they carry their Jdol with them,
of whom they tell incredible Stories, and ask Council, as the
Antients were wont to do with the Oracle of Apollo, and then
proceed upon their intended Expedition, with their Kings
or War Captains, who march first, with a Club in one Hand,
and a Bow in the other, with a Quiver full of Arrows, all the
rest follow him towards the Battle, with such Weapons
as they can conveniently get, singing Songs instead of Drums
and Trumpets, and whilst they fight, there is nothing to be
heard but Skreeches and Cries amongst them, and it is ac-
counted a great Battle amongst them where three or four are
killed, or made Captives. .
They are a People that never forget Injuries done by their
Enemies, and seldom cease ’till they have Satisfaction, but
before they go upon any Expedition, they often assemble in
Council together, and there debate the Matter in hand, and
take those Resolutions that they judge most advisable to be
done, being a People never over hasty in what they do.
They
of North Carolina. 319
They make great Feasts after they have obtained a Vic-
tory over their Enemies, for several Days together, where
they drink great quantities of Yaupan Tea, and whatever
Trophies they obtain in Battle, they carefully bring home
to their Towns, and place them all together, round which
they Dance for several Hours, shewing all the signs of Joy
imaginable, their young Men and Wives singing Songs of
Praise to their War Captains and great Men, for their late
Conquest over their Enemies; they likewise make the most
antient Women of the Country Dance, holding the Hair of
their Enemies in their Hands.
Their manner of War amongst themselves, is either by
suddenly surprizing each other, which is most commonly
done about the dawning of the Day, Moon-lght, or by Am-
bushes; set Battles being very rare, except it be where there
are many Trees, to have a place of Refuge or Defence after
every Shot, or the delivery of their Arrows, by leaping be-
hind them, or some other shelter.
When they go to War or their Hunting Matches, the
Victuals which they generally carry with them is Bread,
Indian Corn, dried Fruits, of several sorts, Honey, and Meal
made of Mazz parched in the Fire, this they can preserve for
a long time without receiving any damage; they lkewise
carry dried Fish upon these occasions, and these are most
commonly all the Provisions they take with them.
The Cruelty they use to their Prisoners of War, is scarce
to be paralel’d, because they strive to invent the most inhu-
man and barbarous Butcheries for these miserable Wretches
that happen in their power, that is possible for themselves
or Devils to invent. These Savages esteem Death to be no
Punishment, but an advancement to him that is taken out
of the World into another; therefore they inflict on them
these
320 The Natural History
these cruel Torments, in prolonging Life in that miserable
state, as long as they can, and never miss Sculping of these
Wretches (as they call it) which is to cut off the Skin from
the Temples, and take the whole Head of Hair along with
it from the Scull, like a Cap; this they hang at their Belts,
and carry to their Towns for their Wives and Children to be
spectators of. They sometimes take the top of the Scull
along with it, all which they preserve and carefully keep by
them to shew their Conquest, and Victory over their Ene-
mies. Some of them keep their Enemies Teeth, which are
taken in War; whilst others split the Prtch-Pine and stick
the Prisoners Bodies (whilst alive) full of them, which they
set fire to, and burn like so many Toarches: In this manner
they make him dance round a great Fire, every one buffeting
and deriding him ’till he expires; then every one present
strive to get a Bone or some other Relick of this unfortunate
Captive. Whatever Weapons they kill or wound their Ene-
mies with, they let the Blood remain on it as a Trophy of
their Victory.
It is remarkable, that if any of the young Fellows who
have been at the Wars, and had the fortune to take a Cap-
tive, returns the proudest Creature upon Earth, and sets
such a Value on himself, that he scarce knows how to contain
in his Senses. In all their Wars they never destroy the
Women or Children that they make Captives, but carefully
preserve them.
The Iroquois, or Sannagers, and Cherokees, are the most
powerful and warlike Indians that we know of in these Parts,
being always at War, and not to be persuaded from that way
of living by any Arguments or Persuasions whatsoever.
They live near the Mountains, and there has been several
Methods used by the Christians to perswade them to live
peaceably
of North Carolina. 321
peaceably with the 7’uskeruros (who are one of the Civilized
Nations, amongst the Hnglish that live near the Sea) not-
withstanding these Indians very much desire to make Peace,
and woud submit to the former, yet their answer is, that
they cannot live without War, which they have ever been
accustomed to, and that if peace be made with them or any
other Nation they War withal, they must find out some oth-
ers to wage War against. But for them to live in peace is
to live out of their element, War, Conquest, and Murder,
being what they always delight in, and value themselves for.
Yet they have not molested the Tuskeruros, of late Years,
and it is supposed that they are now at War with the Indians
on the other side of the Mountains, and though they may
seem such a Barbarous People, yet they are very fond of the
Christians, and use them with all manner of civility when
they meet them in the Mountains where they constantly trade
with each other.
When they take a Prisoner, and intend to keep him as a
Slave to Work in their Fields, they flea the Skin from the
setting on of his Toes to the middle of his Foot, cut of one
half of his Feet, wraping the Skin over the Wounds and
then healing them. By this cruel and Barbarous method
the Indian captive is hindred from making his escape, for
he can neither run fast or go any where but his feet or
Stumps are more easily traced and discovered, yet I have
seen some that made their escape from their Enemies though
they were disabled after this manner.
The Indians ground their Wars chiefly on Enmity, not on
Interest, as the Huropeans generally do, for the loss of the
meanest Person in the Nation, they will go to War and lay
all at Stake, and prosecute their design to the utmost, till
21 Ss the
322 The Natural History
the Nation they were injured by be wholly destroyed, or
make them that satisfaction which they demand.
They maintain continual Wars one Nation against another,
which sometimes hold for Ages, killing and making captive
‘all they can, till they become so weak that they are often
forced to make peace for want of a sufficient number of
Recruits to supply their Wars; so that by these continual
Wars, and the art they have and often practice of Poysoning
one another, which they do with a large white Spongy Root
that grows in their fresh Marshes, many numerous and form-
idable Nations are dwindled away to a handful of Men in
comparison to what they were sixty Years ago, and it’s
strange to imagine how many hundred Miles they come to
make War on each other; without any visible view of Inter-
est in Lands, or Riches, which are the chief motives of all
European Princes, waging War against each other.
They are very Politick in waging and carrying on their
War, first by advising with all the antient Men of conduct
and reason that belong to their Nation; such as superanuated
War Captains, and those that have been Counsellors amongst
them for many Years, whose Advice has succeeded well.
They have likewise their Fveld Counsellors, who are accus-
tomed to Ambuscades and Surprizes, which methods are
commonly used by them in these parts, for you shall seldom
hear of a Field or set Battle fought amongst them.
Yet before they undertake any enterprizes, they meet
several Mornings together in their State-Houses, where the
King repaireth, and is placed on a seat which is generally
higher than any of his Retinue’s, where all of them salute
him; as soon as the Salutation is over, every one sits down
according to their Degrees or Seniority, and if there be any
thing to be debated, the King calls his Priests and the most
antient
of North Carolina. 323
antient Men of his Nation and asks their Advice. After-
wards he commands Cassena to be brought, and when he has
drank a Cup full of the Liquor (which holds about a Pint
and a half) they all, one after another drink the same pro-
portion out of the same Cup.
This drink is in such great request amongst them, that no
Man is permitted to taste thereof in this publick Assembly
unless he has signalized himself in the Wars against his Ene-
mies; Valour being highly esteemed amongst them: They
drink this Tea very warm, which makes them sweat plenti-
fully, and has the virtue to take away Hunger and Thirst
for twenty four Hours.
These Indians exercise their young Men very much in
Shooting with their Bows, and Arrows, the Strings whereof
are made of the Guts of the Stag, or of a Stag’s Skin, which
they know how to dress as well as any People in Hurope,
and with as different sorts of Colours; there being plenty of
several beautiful Dies in this Country, which they are well
acquainted with, they likewise take great pleasure in Hunt-
ing and Fishing, wherein they are very expert.
I will give you some few Instances of their Politicks and
Expeditions, which are worth mentioning. The first was
thus, two Nations were at War with each other, and both
Parties were in the Woods or Forrest ranging to see what
Enemies they coud take or destroy. The lesser Number
found they were discovered by the greater, and that they
cou’d not well get over a River (that lay betwixt them and
their Home) without engaging the other party, whose Num-
bers were much superior, they immediately called a Council,
which being met, and having weighed and debated their pres-
ent circumstances, with many arguments for a considerable
time, and found their Enemies advantage, and that they
Ss: could
324 The Natural History
could not possibly expect any success in engaging such an
unequal Number. They at last concluded on this Strata-
gem, which in my opinion carried a great deal of policy
along with it. It was, that the same Night they should
make a great Fire, which they were certain would be discov-
er’d by the adverse party, and there dress up Logs of Wood
in their Cloaths, and make them exactly seem like Indians
that were fast asleep by the Fire-side (which is their way
when they are Hunting or otherwise in the Woods) so said
they, our Enemies will fire upon these Images, supposing
them to be Men, while we lye in Ambuscade, and after their
Guns are unloaded we shall deal well enough with them.
This result was immediately put in execution, and the
Fire was made by the side of a Vally where they lay perdue,
very advantageously all Night. Thus a little before
break of Day they came down to the Fire, and at once fired
in upon these Logs in the Indian Cloaths and run up to them
expecting they had kill’d every Man dead upon the Spot,
but they soon found themselves to be mistaken, for then the
other Indians who had lain all the Night stark-naked, at-
tacked them with their loaded Pieces, which so surpriz’d
them, that every Man was taken Prisoner and brought in
bound to their Town, some of whom were sold to the English
for Slaves.
There was another extraordinary Instance of this Nature
that happen’d betwixt the Machapunga Indians and the
Coranines, living on the Sand-banks near Machapunga Rwer,
which carries a great deal of Treachery and Barbarity in it,
and is as follows. The Machapungas were invited to a feast
by the Coranines (which two Nations had been a long time
at War together, but had lately concluded a Peace) there-
upon the Machapunga Indians took the advantage of coming
to
of North Carolina. S25
to the Coranines feast, and to avoid all suspicion, and that
there was a good harmony and understanding now amongst
them ; the Machapunga King who though of a Savage nature,
was a great Politician, and very stout, order’d all his Men
to carry their Tamahawks along with them under their
Match-coats, which they did, and being acquainted when to
fall on, by the Word given, they all (upon this design) set
forward for the feast, and came to the Coranine-town, who
made them welcome, and had gotten Victuals, Fruit, and
such things as make an Indian Entertainment ; having pro-
vided all things necessary to make their new Guests wel-
come, after Dinner towards the Evening (as it is customary
amongst them) they went to Dancing all-together; when the
Machapunga King saw the best opportunity offer, he gave
the Word, and immediately his Men pulled out their T'ama-
hawks, or Hatchets from under their Match-coats, killed sev-
eral, and took the rest of them Prisoners, except some few
that were not at the Feast, and about four or five that made
their escape ; some of these they sold as Slaves to the English.
At the time this was done, these Indians had nothing but
Bows and Arrows, being intire strangers to Guns and their
uses; neither are any of the two former Nations to be met
with (at this Day) living near Machapunga River, which
place is well inhabited by Christians.
Their Dances are of different Natures, and for every sort
they have a different Song or Tune, which is allotted for each
Dance. Upon these occasions they will continue dancing
for several Nights together, with the greatest briskness im-
aginable, their Wind never failing them: In a War-Dance
they have Warlike Songs, wherein they express with all the
passion and vehemency imaginable what they intend to do
with their Enemies; how they will kill, roast, sculp, beat,
and
326 The Natural History
and make Captives such and such numbers of them, and
how many they have destroyed already: Whatever Trophies
they have gained in War are set up for all those present to
behold, round which they Feast and Dance with the greatest
extasie of Joy that can be exprest or shewn by them.
All the Songs are made new for every Feast, neither is
one and the same Song sung at two several Festivals; some
one of the Nation (who hath the best gift of expressing their
Designs) is appointed by. their King and War Captains
to make these Songs; these Persons or Poets being in great
request with the King, and Nation to whom they belongs.
Their Peace Dances are generally made at their Feasts,
and are of another Nature; as when several Towns, and
sometimes different Nations have made Peace with one
another, then it suits both Nations, and relates how the bad
Spirit made them go to War and destroy one another, that
it shall never be so again, but that their Sons and Daughters
shall marry together, and the two Nations love each other,
and become as one united People.
They have a third sort of Feast and Dances which are
when the Harvest of Corn is ended, and in the Spring; the
one to return Thanks to the good Spirit for the Fruits of the
Earth, the other to beg the same Blessings for the succeeding
Year. They plant their Maze or Indian Corn twice a Year,
viz. in March and June, all in the same Soil, for as soon as
one Crop is ripe, which is in three Months, they immediately
gather it and plant the same Grounds over again. Before
the Europeans arrived in these Parts, they used to dig their
Grounds with an Instrument made of Wood, which was
fashioned like a broad Matock, but at present they have Hoes
from the Christians, and commonly plant two or three Grains
together :
of North Carolina. 327
together: They never Dung their Land, but set Fire to the
Weeds, which makes very good Manure; when the Land is
to be planted, the King commands one of the Men to assem-
ble his Subjects every Day to Labour, and when the Maze is
gathered, it is all carried into a common Store-House, where
it is distributed to every one as there is occasion; they sel-
dom sow more than what will serve them for six Months,
and that very sparingly; for during the Winter they retire
into the Woods to hunt, or fish, where they have plenty of
various kinds of wild Beasts, Birds and Fishes. To en-
courage the young Men to labour in planting their Maze and
Pulse, they place a kind of [dol inthe Field, dressed up
exactly like an Indian, with a great quantity of Wampum,
or Money that is made of Conk-Shells, hanging about his
Neck. This Image none of the young Men dare presume to
approach, the old ones will not suffer them, but tell them
that it is some famous Warrior that died many Ages ago,
and now is come among them, to see if they work well, which
if they do, he will go to the good Spirit, and speak to him
to send them plenty of Corn, and to make them expert Hunt-
ers, and mighty Wariors; and many other incredible Stories,
with which they amuse their Youth. All this while the
King and the old Men sit round the Image, and seemingly
. pay the most profound Respect and Veneration imaginable
to the same. One great help to them in carrying on these
Cheats, and inducing their Youth to do what they please is,
the uninterrupted Silence which is ever kept and observed
amongst them.
At these Feasts, which are set out with all the Magnificence
imaginable, or that their Fare will allow of, the Masquerade
begins always at Night. There is a Fire commonly made in
the middle of the largest House in the Town, which frequently
happens
328 The Natural History
happens to be that of their King or War Captain, or a House
made for that purpose, where two Men are placed on a Mat
on the Ground, the one with a Rattle made of a Gourd,
with some Indian Corn or Beans in it; the other with a Drum
made of an Harthen Pot, covered with a dressed Deer Skin,
with one Stick in his Hand to beat thereon; thus they begin
the Song appointed for that purpose, at the same time the
one Drums, and the other Rattles; this is all the artificial
Musick of their own making that I ever saw amongst them.
To these two Instruments they sing, which may be supposed
to make but indifferent Musick, for Huropeans, and yet the
Cadencies and raising of their Voices are formed with that
equality and exactness, that to us it seems very strange and
admirable how they should continue these Songs without
once missing to agree with each others Note and Tune.
As for their Dancing, were there Masters of that Profes-
sion amongst them, as there are in Hurope, | am certain they
would dearly earn their Money; for these People take the
most Pains that Men are able to endure: I have seen thirty
dancing together, and every one with the Sweat dropping
down, as if Water were powred on their Backs.
They bring up their Youth in many laborious Exercises,
to make them able to endure Fatigues, and improve their
Wind, which is indeed very long and durable, being a hard
matter in any Exercise to dispossess them of it, there being
several Games amongst them that is won by him that hath
the longest Breath. Ia traveling and hunting they are most
indefatigable, being bred up after that manner from their
Youth, to which they have a double inducement, as it carries
both Pleasure and Profit with it. I have known some of
them very strong, and particularly remarkable for their run-
ning and leaping: The agility of both Men and Women are
such,
of North Carolina. 329
such, that they will very readily swim over great Rivers, and
sometimes carry their Children; they likewise very nimbly
climb the highest Trees in the Country.
These People (as I said before) have solemn Feasts upon
several occasions, such as for War, Peace, the Fruits of
the Earth, and the like, at these Festivals they have great
plenty of provisions, such as Venison, Birds, Fishes, and
several sorts of Fruits and Roots. Their firing is made of
Wood, which they kindle by strenuously rubbing one stick
against another (the Sticks being of different kinds) and
so roast their flesh Meat on wooden Spits, or Boyl it in
Earthen Pots, of their own make, and sometimes broil it on
the Embers.
They are for the most part very gentle, loving and faith-
ful, void of Guile or Treachery (except they are highly
injured) and live after the manner of the Golden Age, for
they only take care how to defend themselves from the Cold
in their short Winters, and to feed themselves with such
Victuals as the Soil produceth. They sometimes have plenty
of Rum at these Entertainments, which they purchase from
the Huropeans, but the common drink they make use of to
quench their thirst is Water, and it is to be admired that
they never yet found out the method of making Wines in
these parts, where several sorts of Grapes are so plenty, and
these People in general being extreamly fond of strong
Liquors.
At Night their Revels begin, which is commonly in a House
made for that purpose being the largest amongst their dwell-
ings, this House is built in form of a Pyramid wherein are
made handsome white Benches artificially of fine Canes,
joining along the Walls, and the Door or entrance very low.
In these State-Houses are transacted all publick and private
Ade business
330 The Natural History
business relating to the Affairs of the Government, and the
audience of Foreign Ambassadors from other Indian Kings;
likewise their consultations for wageing and making of War,
Proposals of Trade with their Neighbouring Indians or
Huropeans, who happen to come amongst them, and there
determine what may be most convenient for them to act, and
what to omit, old Age being always held in as great venera-
tion amongst them, as any People you shall find in any part
of the World.
It is to be observed, that during their consultations no
manner of interruption is given to the Speaker, who gets up
and declares to the Auditors what he thinks most advisable
to be done in the Affair then depending; as soon as he has
finish’d what he thinks proper to say on that Subject, he sits
down and then the second proceeds after the same method,
and so all the rest in their turns, and lastly their King, not
one Word to be heard, or even a whisper during their whole
conference but from him that stands up. The whole As-
sembly giving a great deal of attention to what each Person
relates on that head, a profound silence and exact decorum
being used during the Oration.
And it is even remarkable amongst them in their common
Discourse, that they never interrupt each other, none offer-
ing to open his Mouth till the other has finished what he has
to say on the Subject. This practice I am perswaded wou’d
be of great use and advantage to the Huropeans, who are so
subject to interrupt each other, before they can utter their —
intentions, frequently judging from a few Words spoken, the
whole Cause before they have heard the Merits of it.
These People are naturally very subtile and sharp witted,
and ready to conceive our meaning by Signs, and to make
answers to be understood again. If they have not seen the
thing
of North Carolina. 33t
thing whereof you ask them, they will wink or cover their
HKyes with their Hand to intimate thereby that it hath been
hid from their sight, and if they understand not those things
whereof you enquire, they will stop their Ears, and by many
other such like signs, easie to be understood, they are apt to
learn any thing of us, and are very willing to teach us the
Names of each thing in their Language we demand of them.
All their dwelling Houses are covered with the Barks of
Trees, But this Senate-House differs very much from them,
being artificially Thatch’d with Sedge and Rushes; at the
building whereof every one assists till it is finished, and as
soon as it is compleatly finished, the King places some one
of his chiefest Men to dwell therein, charging him with a
diligent preservation thereof, in like manner as Huropean
Princes commit the charge and Government of Forts and
Castles to some favorite subject they judge worthy of so great
Honours and Trust.
They frequently send Ambassadors to each other, who
make very odd and strange Figures at their Arrival, having
their Faces and Hair painted all over as red as Vermillion,
a Fusee or Bow and Arrows in their Hands, and a Cutlash or
Tamahawk stuck in their Girdle. As soon as they arrive
they are brought to the Kings House, from thence are con-
ducted to the State-House, where they take the place that is
assign’d them, and there treat of those important Affairs
with which they are commission’d from their Kings and
Nations to whom they belong.
I have frequently made use of the word Civilized Indians,
and for the better information of my Readers they are those
that assisted the Christians against the other Savages of that
Country in the late War when the Hon. Colonel Barnwell in-
tirely defeated them in Bath County, Anno Dom. 1712.
Ti: But
332 The Natural History
But to returne to their Feasts, in these State-Houses, the
King being come, and seated invites the Huropeans, if there
be any amongst them at that time, who are always placed
next the King, with his War Captains on each side; being
thus seated, there is a circular Fire made of split Canes in
the middle of the House, which otherwise would be as dark
as a Dungeon, and is as hot as a Dutch Stove. One Man is
constantly employed to supply split Canes as the others are
consumed. The Guests being all seated on Benches or Mats
on the Ground, they bring in several pieces of Bears-flesh
and Venison, roasted and boiled; Wild Turkeys in great
plenty, dressed after their manner; various kinds of other
Wild Beasts and Fowl, Fish, and several kinds of Medlies
made of Maiz, stewed Peaches, dried Peaches, and variety
of other Fruits. Every one of the Indians bringing some-
thing with him, to enlarge their Banquet, according to their
Degree and Quality.
When all their Dainties are brought in, the first Enter-
tainment begins with kicking out the Dogs, which are like
the Wolves in these parts; for it is supposed that they are a
Species of them, made tame by beating and starving. They
are the worst Dog-masters in the World, for you shall never
see an Indian Dog that is fat amongst them; neither do I
find that they make any use of them, for they never bring
them to their Hunting-matches. |
They are of a quite contrary Disposition to their Horses,
to whom they are the best of Masters, for they are continually
feeding them with Maze, or whatever he will eat, until he is
as fat as a Hog, yet they never ride or make any manner of
use of him, except only to carry a Deer home that they have
killed near the Plantations; or Firewood for their Houses.
As
of North Carolina. 333
As soon as the Dogs are discharged, the Company are sum-
moned by beat of Drum and the Rattle; which two Instru-
ments I have already mentioned, and whilst the one rattled
the other in Consort beat the Drum, others at the same time
sung mournful Ditties, the burthen of their Songs being in
remembrance of their former greatness and numbers of their
Nation, the famous Exploits of their renowned Ancestors,
and all Actions of moment that had been performed by their
forefathers in former Days.
No sooner does this kind of Consort begin to play and sing,
but presently come in some Indians finely dressed up with
Feathers, their Faces covered with Vizards made of Gourds;
round their Ancles and Knees are hung Bells of several sorts,
having wooden Falcions in their Hands, such as our Gladia-
tors commonly use upon the Stage; in this Dress they dance
about an Hour or more, shewing many strange Gestures,
brandishing their Weapons as if they were going to fight
each other, oftentimes walking round the Room with so
much dexterity and nimbleness, that you may not hear their
Bells make the least noise, which is very strange to see them
perform, turning their Bodies, Arms and Legs, into such
strange and frightful Postures, that to an Huropean they
would seem like a parcel of Bedlamites, void of Sense or
Reason; after they have cut two or three high Capers, they
immediately leave the Room. As soon as they disappear,
come in a parcel of Women and Girles, each taking place
according to their degree in Stature, the tallest leading the
Dance, and the least of all placed last. They then form
themselves into a Ring, representing the Fire they dance
about. Several of them having Bells about their Legs, dressed
with Flowers and Feathers like the Men, others with small
Bells about their Necks, though their way of Dancing is
nothing
334 The Natural History
nothing but a sort of stamping, which they continue for
several Hours together, till they are all of them in as great
a sweat as if they had been dipped in the River.
During these Dances the Spectators do not neglect to fill
their Bellies with the Provisions that are there, more or less
of them being continually eating: When the Dancing is
ended, every Youth that is so disposed, takes hold of the Girl
he fancies to be his Bedfellow for that Night, few Ceremonies
being used upon that head amongst them.
At these Festivals and publick Assemblies they give a tradi-
tional Relation of what happened amongst them for many
Years past, to their young Men; having no other Method to
record what their Ancestors have done, or known only by
Tradition from Father to Son, and their Hierogliphicks,
being entire Strangers to Letters or Learning.
They have another sort of Feast where their Priests or
_ Conjurers pretend to converse familiarly, and demand divers
strange things from Spirits by their Invocations, and the
Magical Charms which they make use of. This Feast they
celebrate in the open Fields, where a large Circle is made;
all the Indians that come to it are variously painted and
adorned with rich Feathers of divers Colours; they have
singing and dancing at this as at the others: After they have
sung and danced for a quarter of an Hour, and turned about
three times, they run like distracted Men into the Woods; then
the Women continue the rest of the Day in Tears, and as
melancholy as possible, then in a Rage they cut the Arms of
the young Girls with sharp Shells of Fishes, till the Blood
follows, which they cast into the Air, with loud Shreeks and
Cries.
Those
of North Carolina. 335
Those that begin this Feast (which is always in the Morn-
ing) are their Priests or Conjurers, to whom they give great
eredit and belief, not only because they are very subtile and
erafty Magicians, and find out things lost, but likewise be-
cause they heal Diseases by their Charms and Knowledge in
Plants. They first run to the Woods, from whence they re-
turn in two Days, and then begin to Sing and Dance in the
middle of the Circle (which the Women sweep and make
very clean against their return) and are very chearful and
merry with the old Indian Fathers that stay’d behind, by
reason of their natural Indispositions and feebleness: When
all these Ceremonies are ended, they begin to eat with such
greediness, that they seem rather to devour their Meat than
eat it, because they neither eat nor drink during their two
Days continuance in the Woods.
At these Feasts most of all the Nations that are in Peace
with each other meet, though seventy or eighty Miles distant
from each other, where they sell and buy several Commodi-
ties as we do at our Fairs and Markets.
They are very much given to Gaming at these publick
Meetings, and often strip one another of all they have in the
World; and what’s more to be admired is, that they fre-
quently play themselves away, and remain the Winners Ser-
vants *till their Relations or themselves pay the Money to
redeem them; and it is observable, that the Looser is never
dejected or cast down at his misfortune, but seems contented
and as chearful as if he had been the Winner. They never
differ at Gaming, neither did I ever see a Dispute about the
legality thereof so much as arise amongst them.
The chief Game is a kind of Arithmetick, which is man-
aged or played with a parcel of small split Reeds about the
thickness of a small Bent; these are made very nicely, that
they
336 The Natural History
they part and are tractable in their Hands. They are fifty
one in Number, and their length about seven Inches; when
they play they throw part to their Antagonist, the Art in
this kind of Game is to discover upon sight how many you
have, and what you throw to him that plays with you; some
are so expert in guessing the Numbers they gave, and what
they have remaining, that they will not miss once in ten
times; they are so taken with this particular Game, that sey-
eral of them have lost large Indian Estates. A good Set of
these Reeds to play with, are generally valued and sold for a
dressed Doe-Skin.
They have several other Games and Plays wherewith they
frequently divert themselves, as with the Kernels or Stones
of the Fruit of the Persimon Tree, which are in effect the
same as our Dice, because winning or loosing depend on
which side appears uppermost, and how they happen to fall
together.
Their manner of playing Ball is after this manner, viz.
they place a square Mat made of Reeds or Bullrushes at the
top of a Tree eight or nine Fathom from the Ground, and
whoever hitteth the Mat in playing thereat, winneth the
Game.
They have another Game which is managed with a Bat-
toon, and very much resembles our Trap-Ball; as the Nations
differ so do their Games and Pastimes, having several pe-
culiar to themselves which are not practiced by others; yet
these I have mentioned are the chief that I have observed
amongst them.
They are charitable and kind to each other, especially to
those of their own Nation; for if any one of them has suffered
loss by Fire or otherwise, they order him to make a Feast
(their Victuals being in common) and to invite them all to
ite
of North Carolina. 337
it: On the Day appointed they all come, and after every
Man’s Victuals is dealt to him, one of their Speakers, or
grave old Men makes an Harangue, to the Company to this
effect, that That Man’s House hath been destroyed, together
with all his Goods. That he and his Family very narrowly
escaped. That he is every Man's Friend in that Company,
and that tt is all their Duties to help him, as he would do any
of them, had the like Misfortune befallen them. In
such like Speeches he accosts all that are present, to a charita-
ble compliance in behalf of the distressed Person. After this
Oration is over, every Man according to his Quality and
Ability, throws down upon the Ground some Present, which
is commonly Beads, Ronoak, Peak, Skins, or Furs, which
often amounts to treble the loss he has sustained. The same
assistance they give to any Man that wants to build a Cabin
or make a Canoe, or any other Convenience that he is not
able to perform, and stands in need of: For, they say, it is
every Man’s Duty so to do, there being several Works that
one Man cannot effect, therefore they must give him their
help, otherwise the Society would soon fall, and they should
be deprived of those urgent Necessaries which Life requires.
Their Charity is no less extensive towards Widows, for it
often happens that a Woman is destitute of a Husband, either
by Wars or otherwise, and hath a great many Children to
maintain, such a Person they always help, and make their
young Men Plant, Reap, and do every thing she is not capa-
ble of doing herself; yet they will not allow any one to be
idle (especially in the Harvest time) but employ themselves
in some Work or other. As they are unacquainted with the
value of Gold or Silver, they prefer their Indian-Money be-
fore it, which is of different Sorts, but all made of Shells,
that are found on the Coast of Carolina, and especially the
22, Uu Conck-shells ;
338 The Natural History
Conck-shells ; these are very large and hard and difficult to
be cut, yet some Huropean Smiths have tried to drill these
Shells, thinking to get an advantage by them, but it proved
so hard and tedious in the working, that nothing could be
gained thereby, that they have intirely laid it aside for the
Indians to manage, who never value their Time, so that they
can make them according to their Fancy.
They frequently make of these Shells several sorts of Fig-
ures, in imitation of Gorges, Crosses, Stars, or any other
odd kind of Figure that their imagination suggests, these
they wear about their Necks and Arms tied with a String;
there are some of these Gorges that will sell for three or four
Buck Skins ready drest, whilst others are only valued and
sold for one Doe Skin. But the general and currant Species
amongst all the Indians of Carolina, and I believe all over
the Continent as far as the Bay of Meaico, that which we call
Peak and Ronoak, but Peak more especially. This is that
which they call Wampum at New York, and has been made
use of as current Coin for many Years amongst the Huro-
peans settled in that Province. This is what many Writers
call Proclean and was formerly made at New York in great
quantities, and with us in some Measure. Four Cubits of
this purchase a dressed Doe Skin, and six or seven are the
purchases of a dressed Buck Skin: An Huropean could not
afford to make so much of this Wampum for five times the
Value; for it is made out of a very large Shell of which that
Country affords plenty.
This Shell they grind smaller than the small End of a
Tobacco Pipe, or a large Wheat Straw; four or five of these
are about an Inch in length, and every one drilled through,
polished and made as smooth as Glass, yet they are as strong
as Beads. A Cubit of the Indian Measure contains as much
in
of North Carolina. 339
in length as will reach from the Elbow to the end of the little
Finger. They never regard or stand to question whether he
is a tall or short Man that measures it; but if this Wampum
or Peak be of a black or purple Colour, as some part of the
Shell, then it is twice the Value.
They grind these Shells upon Stones and other things, ’till
they make them current, but the Drilling is the most difficult
to the Huropeans, which the Indians do with a Nail stuck in
a Cane or Reed, but whether they have any Method in soft-
ning these Shells, is uncertain. They rowl it continually on
their Thighs with the right Hand, and hold the bit of Shell
with their left; thus by degrees they drill a hole through it,
which is a tedious Work, but especially in making their
Ronoak, four of which will scarce make one length of Wam-
pum.
The Indians in general are a People (as I observed) that
set very little value on their Time, and need never be under
any apprehension or fear that the Christians will take the
Trade out of their hands. This is the Money with which
you may buy Skins, Furs, Slaves, or any thing they have ex-
cept their Children, it being their Mammon (as our Money
is to us) that persuades and intices them to do any thing.
With this they will buy off Murders, or whatever a Man can
do that is Ill, and be his Crime of never so black a Nature,
this Money is sufficient to purge him of it, and have it buried
in Oblivion for ever, such an influence hath this Almighty
Gain over them, that the most inhuman practices shall ap-
pear innocent and laudable, and engage them in the most
scandalous and barbarous Actions, without once reflecting or
condemning themselves in the least for it.
Uu: Formerly
340 The Natural History
Formerly in their hunting Matches they used to dress
themselves very artfuelly in Deer Skins, by which counterfet
they would come as near the Deer as they pleased, by mimick-
ing each Gesture of that Beast as they approached, by which
means they killed vast numbers of them, but some of them-
selves being shot in this disguise, it is now intirely laid aside
and that practice disallowed of by the express Orders of their
Kings.
They have particular Methods by which they can preserve
the Eyes of Beasts as if they were still living, this they will
by no means discover to the Christians ; they have many other
curious things that the Hwropeans are desirous to know and
learn from them, but they will by no means discover or make
known to them, being a People that are secret, crafty, and
subtile in all their Affairs, though of ever so small a moment.
Although these Indians, in respect of us, are a poor People,
and their want of Skill and Judgment in the Knowledge and
use of the Sciences, generally esteem Trifles to things of real
value, not having the advantages of improving themselves as
the Huropeans; yet in their own manner and way of Think-
ing, they seem to be ingenious, and shew excellency of Wit,
notwithstanding the many inconveniencies they labour under,
and their want of Tools and Instruments to assist them in any
of their Undertakings, for I have, during my continuance
amongst them, seen many useful Instruments made for sey-
eral uses, with nothing but an indifferent Knife.
They commonly barbecu or dry their Venison on Mats or
Hurdles in the Sun, first salting it with their Salt, which is
made of the Ashes of the Hickery Wood; this Venison so
cured, they keep and make use of in time of scarcity, and bad
Weather, which they tear to pieces with their Hands and
Teeth (for want of Knives) and then put it into a Morter
and
of North Carolina. 341
and pound it very fine, adding the Powder of the Hickery
Nuts or Wall-nuts and other ingredients, whereof they make
a savory Dish.
Their Kings, as they are most absolute, put to death any
of their Subjects that have committed those Crimes that they
think worthy of so great a Punishment; which is strictly ob-
served, and put in execution by the War Captains after dif-
ferent and barbarous Methods, according to the King’s Will
and Pleasure.
Their Sculping and sticking them full of Splinters of
Inght-wood, and setting these Wretches on Fire, their fleaing
and cutting their Feet at the Instep, I have already made
mention of; during which time they never cease feasting,
dancing, singing and playing a thousand antick Tricks, espe-
cially if it be one of their Enemies; at other times they rip
open the Bellys of these wretches, fasten their Bowels to a
Tree, and force them round ’till such time as their Intrails are
out, or their Strength is intirely spent, that they can shew no
more Diversion to the Spectators, who delight in such in-
human Actions: It is incredible to see with what Courage and
Bravery these Wretches behave in the midst of these Tortures
and agonies of Death, not once seeming to bemoan themselves,
believing and imagining their Enemies will have the same
Fate when they fall into the Hands of those belonging to their
Nation.
There was an Indian put to death whilst I was in the
Country by the Kings Order, for cleaving the Scull of one of
his own Nation with a Tamahawk, of which Wound he in-
stantly died. The Offender was immediately brought forth,
and two other Indians were ordered to get a couple of Ropes
tyed up in the nature of Nooses, with which they strangled
the Offender, one pulling one way and the other the contrary,
till
342 The Natural History
till he was dead; the nearest Relations of the deceased strik-
ing him on the Head with great Clubs. These are the most
common Methods that are yet known amongst them, by which
they torture and put one another to death; but doubtless
there are many other barbarous Methods that they make use
of, which as yet we are strangers to.
The King most commonly gives orders to put the offender
to Death, yet the punishment due to the offender is very
often left to the nearest Relation of the deceas’d, who prose-
cutes him with all the rage and fury imaginable, being both
Judge and Executioner till he is fully satisfied; yet this re-
venge is oftentimes bought of with their wampum, Beads,
Tobacco, and such like commodities, whereof they are very
fond, and are useful amongst them, though the crimes were
of the highest Nature, Villany, or Barbarity that cou’d be
acted by Mankind, yet these trifles make a sufficient attone-
ment for all.
They have a strange custom or Ceremony amongst them,
to call to mind the persecutions and death of the Kings their
Ancestors slain by their Enemies, at certain Seasons, and
particularly when the Savages have been at War with any
Nation, and return from their Country without bringing
home some Prisoners of War, or the Heads of their Enemies.
The King causes as a perpetual remembrance of all his pred-
ecessors to beat and wound the best beloved of all his Chil-
dren with the same Weapons wherewith they had been kill’d
in former times, to the end that by renewing the Wound, their
Death should be lamented a fresh.
The King and his Nation being assembled on these Occa-
sions, a Feast is prepared, and the Indian who is authorized
to wound the Kings Son, runs about the House like a dis-
tracted Person crying and making a most hidious noise all
the time with the Weapon in his Hand, wherewith he wounds
the
of North Carolina. 343
the Kings Son, this he performs three several times, during
which interval he presents the King with Victuals or Cas-
sena, and it is very strange to see the /ndian that is thus
struck never offers to stir till he is wounded the third time,
after which he falls down backwards streaching out his Arms
and Legs as if he had been ready to expire, then the rest of
the Kings Sons and Daughters, together with the Mother and
vast Numbers of Women and Girls fall at his Feet and La-
ment and Cry most bitterly; during this time the King and
his retinue are Feasting, yet with such profound silence for
some Hours, that not one Word, or even a Whisper is to be
heard amongst them, after this manner they continue till
Night, which ends in Singing, Dancing, and the greatest joy
imaginable.
The Sapona Indians live at the West branch of Cape Fear,
or Clarendon River, which is very beautiful, and has good
Land about it; it is five or six Days Journey over the Moun-
tains to go to the South-Sea. These Mountains are very Bar-
ren, with abundance of Rocks and Marble, but no Fowl or
Water are to be found in these Parts. The Jndians residing
here are very powerfull, but seldom make visits amongst us
except it be their Traders who bring us Skins and Furs.
The Toteras are neighbouring Indians to the Saponas, and
live West-ward in the Mountains; I have been informed by
some of them that Trade amongst the Huropeans, that they
have Bazoar-stone, but I never saw any of it whilst I was in
those parts.
The Keyawees live likewise on a Branch of Cape Fear
River which lies to the North-west. The Lands here are very
Fertile and in many places abounding with Rocks of several
sorts of Stones, such as Lime-stone, Marble, and the like.
I have
344 The Natural History
I have frequently convers’d with their Doctors, who are in
great request and esteem amongst them, they told me of many
great cures that they have performed, but woud never dis-
cover any thing of what they knew, or by what Herbs or
plants they perfected them, notwithstanding I importun’d
them and even offered rewards. These Savages in general
being a very wary People, seldom or never revealing any of
their secrets to the Huropeans, yet are willing to assist them
in any Indian disorder that should afflict them, as in the
biting of Snakes or any other misfortune of that Nature
wherein they have any Knowledge, but as to Huropean Dis-
orders they are entire Strangers, which most commonly prove
fatal amongst them.
The Jndians in Carolina have no Fences to part each others
Lots in their Corn-Fields, but every Man knows his own pro-
portion, and it scarce ever happens that they rob one another
of so much as an Har of Corn; which if any is found to do,
he is sentenced by the Elders to Work and plant for him that
was Robb’d, till he is fully recompene’d for all the damage
or loss he has sustained in his Corn-Fteld ; this is very punctu-
ally performed, and the Thief held in disgrace that steals
from any of his Friends or the Nation he belongs to.
When these Savages live near the Waters they frequent the
Rivers in Summer-time very much where both Men and
Women often in a Day go in naked to wash themselves, not
both Sexes together, yet this is not out of any point of modesty
that being a virtue or qualification that is very little regarded
or make use of amongst these People.
These Indians generally are the best marks Men with Guns
that are to be met with in most parts of the World, and com-
monly kill what they Shoot at with a single Ball; this is prin-
cipally
of North Carolina. 345
cipally owing to the steadiness in their Limbs and the sharp
Sight with which they are endued. They take a great deal of
pains when they buy a Gun first, to find out if it has any
fault in the Barrel, which they generally take out of the
stock and cut a Notch in a Tree where they make it streight,
if there be occasion, and after shoot several times at markes,
that they may be acquainted with its faults and perfections,
this they do before they go to kill Deer, or any other kind of
Game that is to be met with as they hunt in Woods. It is
remarkable in them that they will seldom stir or go abroad
into the Woods to Hunt before the Sun is an Hour or two
heigh, and hath exhaled most part of the Dew from the
Earth, then are they indefatigable in walking from Morn-
ing till Night in pursuit of their Game. When they are
Traveling in the Woods together, they always keep a con-
stant Pace, neither will they stride over a Tree that lyes
across a path in their way, but always go round it, which is a
quite contrary custom to the Huropeans, but for what reason
the Indians use this Ceremony I never cou’d learn, though I
have frequently importuned them on that Head. And what
is worthy of Observation is, that none of the Indians in
North-Carolina are to be met with Left Handed; whether
this be owing to their method of Nursing, or otherwise, I
cannot account for. When ever they cut with a Knife, they
always turn the Edge towards themselves, whereas the Hwuro-
peans cut and Whittle from them.
Before the Arrival of the Huropeans in these parts of
America, these Savages not knowing the use of Steel and
Flints, they got their fire from Sticks, which by vehement
collision or rubbing together kindle and take fire. This
method they will sometimes practice even now when it has
happen’d through rainy Weather, or some other accident,
Xx that
346 The Natural History
that they have wet their Spunk, or Touch-wood, which is a
sort of soft Corkey substance, generally of a Cinamon colour,
and grows in the Concave or hollow part of an Oak, Hickory,
and several other sorts of Wood, which they dig out with an
Ax as they have occasion. It is in great plenty in Carolina,
and is always kept by the Huropeans and Indians instead of
Touch-wood and Tender, both which it exceeds.
It is very surprizing to find so many different Languages
amongst them as there are, there being few Nations that un-
derstand each other. But I believe the principal reason of
this great difference and confusion of Languages as are to be
met with amongst them, is owing to these People seldom or
never conversing with any Nation but their own. And I
have often observed several of the Indians with whom I have
been acquainted and freely conversed with at Bath and Hden-
town, that when I chane’d to meet them in the Woods, they
wou'd not speak one Word of English (which they could do
tolerably well) but would either answer me in their own
Language or by signs; the reason whereof I coud never un-
derstand, though I made all the strict enquiry I could.
These differences in their Languages cause Jealousies and
fears amongst them, which often occasion Wars, wherein
they destroy each other; otherwise the Christians had not in
all probability settled themselves so easily as they have done,
had these tribes of Savages united themselves into one Peo-
ple, or general interest, or were they so but every hundred
Miles together. In short, they are a strange sort of People
under their present Circumstances, and have such odd and
uncouth ways in their management and course of living, that
it seems a miracle to us how they bring about their designs
as they do, when their ways are commonly quite contrary to
ours. I am perswaded that were it not for the continual
Wars
of North Carolina. 347
Wars they have amongst themselves, they wou’d enjoy the
happiest state in this World of all Mankind, being neither
Slaves to Riches or Grandure, which bewitches the greatest
part of the World, and occasions daily care and trouble in
those that are thus in Love with it, which these Savages are
entirely free from.
Drunkeness and several other Vices were intirely un-
known to them before the Arrival of the Christians amongst
them, and Swearing, their Language cannot express, yet
those that learn Hnglish soon learn that fashionable vice of
Swearing, and it is generally the first thing they can talk,
hearing those vile and abominable expressions so often re-
peated by the Huropeans. The many Vices they see and
hear daily practiced by the Christians, have in a great meas-
ure perverted these miserable Creatures, that they never
desire to be instructed in the light of the Gospel, but rather
look upon us as a more unworthy race of People than them-
selves; that at this very Day they are no nearer Christianity
(in all appearance) than they were at the first discovery
made by the Christians of this part of the World. Yet it is
most certain, that they have several abominable vices
amongst them, which no doubt they might be brought off, if
the Huropeans woud show those good examples of Virtue,
Piety, and Morality, which are essentially necessary for
every Christian to do and practice. They have likewise
several good Qualities amongst them, and are very Hospita-
ble and fond of the Huropeans, who generally look upon them
with all the disdain immaginable, and very often return ill
Offices for their gratitude.
They have a strange and odd Custom amongst them in
making offerings of their first Fruits, and likewise throwing
the first Bit or Spoonful of every Meal they sit down to, into
Xx2 the
348 The Natural History
the Ashes near the Fire, and all the reason they give for so
doing is, that it is the same to them as the pulling of our
Hats and talking when we go to Victuals is to us. The
Indians in Carolina call Rum and Physick by the same
Name, and the reason they give is, because Rum makes Peo-
ple sick, as if they had taken any Physical or Poysonous
Plant, notwithstanding they cannot forbear drinking it to
excess, when they can by any means purchase it or any other
Spiritous Liquor.
They are a craving People, and if you give them any
thing by way of Present, they imagine that it obliges you to
give them another, and so on, until you have given them all
you have; so insatiable and unreasonable are they in their
Demands, that they have no bounds to them. If they give
any thing as a Present, it is with a View to receive twice the
Value, for they have no consideration that you shall want or
have any occasion for those things you give them; for their
way of Living is so contrary to ours, that neither we nor they
can fathom one anothers Designs or Methods.
They set the least value upon Time of any People in the
World, for if they are going out to Hunt, Fish, or any other
indifferent Business, you may keep them as long as you
please provided you entertain them in Discourse, and seem
pleased with their Company; yet no People are more expedi-
tious and safer Messengers than they, when any extraordi-
nary Business that they are sent about requires it.
The Indian Women’s Work in this Province is generally
to dress their Victuals for the whole Family, and make
Mats, Baskets, Girdles of Possum’s Hair, and such like
things, which they commonly sell to the Huropeans. The
Mats they make are of Rushes, about five Feet broad, and
two Fathom long, sowed double, whereby they become very
commodious
of North Carolina. 349
commodious to lay under our Beds, or to sleep upon in the
Summer Season in the Day, and for our Slaves at Night.
There are other Mats made of Flags, which the Tuskeruro
Indians make and sell to the Planters. The Baskets our
neighbouring Indians make are all of a very fine sort of
Bullrushes, and sometimes of Silk-grass, which they work
with the figures of Beasts, Birds, Fishes, and the like; in
these they carry several sorts of Fruits, Flowers, and many
other things of that nature, which they either sell or make
Presents of to the Christians. The Savage Indians who live
a great way from the Christians, make both their Baskets or
Mats of split Reeds, which are exceedingly neat and hand-
some, being made only of the outward shining part of the
Cane; with these I have seen Mats, Baskets and Dressing
Boxes, very artificially done, they sell these to the Planters
when they come down amongst them to dispose of their Deer-
Skins, Furs, and other Commodities.
The Indians that live near the Christians frequently Buy
or rather Barter Deer-Skins and other Commodities for
Rum, which they carry to the Indians that live Westward
on this and the other side of the Mountains, who never knew
what it was till within these few Years: This Liquor they
carry in Rundlets for many hundred Miles, but some-
times they cannot forbear breaking their Cargo in their Jour-
nies, and sit down in the Woods and drink it all up; then
they begin to Hollow and Shout after such a manner, that
the most distracted Persons can scarce be compared to them.
When they happen to carry it safe (which they seldom do
without drinking some part of it, which they supply by filling
up the Vessel with Water) and come amongst the Indian
Towns ; those that buy the Rum of them have so many Mouth-
fulls for a Deer-Skin, they never use or have any other kind
of
350 The Natural History
of Measure at present: for this purpose the Buyer always
makes choice of his Man who hath generally the widest
Mouth, whom he brings with him to the Place where it is
to be disposed of, with a Bowl to put it in.
The Indian Merchant, or Seller, looks very narrowly to
the Man’s Mouth that measures it, for fear he should swal-
low any down, either through wilfulness, or otherwise, which
if he should happen to do, the Merchant or some of his Party
do not scruple immediately to knock the fellow down, ex-
claiming at the same time against him for false Measure, so
that the Buyer is obliged to get another Mouth Piece to meas-
ure it by; most certain it is, that the Indians have not such
puny Palates (as many of the Huropeans have) otherwise
they would find out some decent Method or other to measure
their Liquor. This way of Trading must not only seem
strange but very diverting, to the Huropean Spectators, to
see so much Quarreling and Controversy, as frequently hap-
pens in this new and uncommon way of Dealing or measur-
ing Rum.
The Indian King is the Ruler of the Nation he belongs
to, and has others under him to assist him, as his War Cap-
‘tains and Counsellors, who are chosen out of the most ancient
and wise Men of his Nation. These he consults in all gen-
eral Debates, concerning War or Peace, Trade, Hunting, and
all the Adventures and Accidents of human Affairs, that
appear or come within their Jurisdiction, where all these
Matters are discoursed of and argued pro and con very delib-
erately (without making any Parties or Divisions) with
the greatest Conduct and Prudence immaginable, having noth-
ing more at Heart than what may be intirely for the publick
Good and safety of their Nation, always valuing that before
their own private Interest. After every Man has given his
Opinion
of North Carolina. 351
Opinion freely as he thinks proper, yet he that has the most
Voices, or in summing up what hath been offered, and is
found to be the most reasonable, that they make use of with-
out Jars or Wrangling, and put it in execution the first
Opporttunity that offers; these being People that discharge
their Duty with all the integrity and justice immaginable ;
every town amongst them has a Ruler or Governor over it,
yet the King is absolute over his whole Nation.
The Succession falls not directly to the King’s Son, but
to his Sisters, which is a sure way to prevent Impostures in
the Succession. They sometimes poyson the Heir that they
do not approve of, or judge incapable not to govern them.
The King himself is commonly the chief Person concerned
in this wicked and abominable Practice. The Indians are so
well acquainted with the Poysons that this Country produces,
that they have been known to poyson whole Families, and
most part of the Town; and it is certain, that they can poyson
a running Spring or Fountain of Water, that whoever drinks
thereof, will soon after infallibly dye. When the Offender
is discovered, his own Relations urge for his being put to
death, whom nothing will appease but the most cruel Tor-
tures Imagination ean invent, and these executed in the most
public manner that is possible for such a Tragical Scene to
be acted, so great is their abhorrence of such wicked Prac-
tices. All the Nations to whom the Offender belongs, and
the other Nations in Peace with them within a hundred
Miles or more (if it be possible to acquaint them) are sum-
moned to come and appear at such a Time and Place, to see
and rejoyce at the Torments and Death of such a Person,
who is the common and professed Enemy to all the friendly
Indians thereabouts, who now lies under the Condemnation
of
352 The Natural History
of the whole Nation, and accordingly is to be put to Death
at such a time as they prefix.
Upon this Summons or Notice, all that are able to appear
from all the adjacent parts, with all the Joy imaginable, as
if they were going to celebrate some Play or other Diversion
for the Entertainment of the whole Company. At this Meet-
ing they generally have a Feast prepared before they begin
the Execution of the Criminal, which they perform in the
manner following: They bring the Prisoner to the place
appointed for his Execution, where he is set down upon the
Ground, all the Company get about him, and there is not one
sorrowful or dejected Countenance to be seen amongst them:
Every thing being thus prepared, the Person appointed to be
chief Executioner takes a Knife, and bids the Criminal hold
out his Hands, which he does, then another cuts the Skin
round the Wrist, which is drawn off like a Glove, and flead
off at the Fingers end, break his Joints and Bones with great
Clubs, and buffet and torment him, ’till some violent Blow
puts an end to his wretched Life: They burn him to Ashes,
which they carefully gather and throw down the Rivers, as
unworthy that the Earth should contain them.
As soon as this tragical Scene is over, they begin their
Feast, and eat and drink chearfully, repeating all the Ac-
tions of the Tormenters, with the Prisoners behaviour during
his Tortures; thus they spend the Night in one continued
Scene of Mirth and Jollity, in having put to Death the com-
mon Enemy of their Nation, and all the others in Friendship
with them.
These Accusations are often wrongfully laid against In-
dian Heroes, or a great Man they have a mind to get rid of,
that has more Courage and Conduct than his Neighbouring
Kings, or War Captains; it is then they alledge the Practice
of
of North Carolina. 353
of Poysoning Jndians against him, and make a rehearsal of
every Person that died for a Year or two, and give out they
were poysoned by such an Indian; this Report being once
spread abroad, stirs up all the Relations of the deceased
against the said Person; by such means they take an advan-
tage against him, and he is presently put to death.
They are very reserved and politick in these Affairs, and
will attend a long time with a great deal of Patience to bring
about their designs, these People being never impatient or
over hasty in executing any of their designs of revenge; yet
they never forget injuries done by their Enemies, but always
take a proper time to accomplish them, for they will endure
a great many Misfortunes, Losses, and Disappointments
without ever showing themselves vexed or uneasy at them.
If at any time they go by Water, and there happens a
Head or contrary Wind, they never fret, or make themselves
uneasy as the Huropeans are most subject to do; and let what
troubles or misfortunes so ever attend them they never seem
to relent, but carry it off with as much resolution as any
People upon Earth. Neither are they guilty of that vice
so common amongst the Huropeans of envying each others
happiness, because their station is not equal or above their
Neighbours: Of this Sin I never knew an example amongst
them, though they are a People that set as great a value upon
themselves as any sort of Men in the World, upon which
account they find something valuable in themselves above
Riches or Grandure.
Thus he that is a good Warriour is the proudest creature
living, and he that is an expert Hunter is esteem’d very much
by the People and himself; yet all these are natural virtues
or Gifts and not Riches, which are as often in the possession
23 Yy of
354 The Natural History
of a Fool as a wise Man. Several of them are possess’d of
great Quantities of Deer, and Bever Skins, Wampum, Am-
unition, and many other things which are esteemed Riches
amongst them, yet such an /ndian is no more esteemed or
regarded by them than any ordinary Fellow, provided he
has no Personal Endowments, which are the only Ornaments
and Perfections that must gain him credit and esteem
amongst these People, for a great dealer amongst them is no
otherwise valued or respected, than a Man that strains his
Wits, and fatigues himself to furnish others with necessaries
of Life.
There is something surprizingly undaunted in their Beha-
viour when they are taken Captives, and expect to die after
the most miserable and tormenting manner that Savages can
invent against such unfortunate Creatures, as happen to be
their Prisoners; for at the very approach of Death they are
observ’d to sing, and shew the greatest resolution and bravery
of any People in the World; having no dread or fear to die;
for they know by instinct of Nature, and daily Experience,
that all things living are subject to Death, wherefore they
have that great and noble gift to submit to every thing that
happens, with the greatest resignation imaginable, and value
nothing that attacks them in this Life.
They are never fearful in the Night, neither do the
thoughts or dread of Spirits ever give them the least trouble,
such as the Hobgoblins and Bug-bears, the Apprehensions
of which we suck in our infancy from Nurses and Servants,
who sugest to us, strange and Idle Tales of Fairies and
Witches, which make such impressions on us in our tender
Years, that at maturity we are most commonly afraid of our
own Shaddows, and carry Pigmie-souls in Giant-bodies ever
after, by which means we are so much depriv’d of reason and
unman’d,
of North Carolina. 355
unman’d, that we are never afterwards able to be Masters of
half the Courage and Bravery nature designed for us, whilst
we remain in this World. Several instances whereof are
daily to be met with amongst us, which I omit as being For-
eign to what we treat of. Not but that the Indians have as
many lying Stories of Spirits and Conjurers as any People;
but they never tell them with that disadvantage, or after that
frightful manner, that the Huropeans are subject to inform
their Children. The old Men amongst them bring them-
selves into very great esteem by making the others believe
their familiarity with Devils and Spirits, and what great
advantage they have thereby, which if it once gain credit
amongst them, they are ever afterwards held in the greatest
respect and veneration imaginable; and whatever they im-
pose upon these People for the future is received as certain
Truths.
Some of them are so very poor, that they have no manner
of Cloaths, only a Belt and wad of Moss, to cover their
Nakedness; these are such as are lazy, or will not Work or
Hunt, and are given to Gaming and Drunkenness; yet these
get Victuals as well as the rest, because that is in common
amongst them all: If they are caught in Theft amongst
themselves, the Offender is made a Slave until such time as
he makes full satisfaction to the Injured Person; but to steal
from the Christians they reckon no Crime, nor think any
harm in so doing; notwithstanding they are seldom guilty
of this Vice amongst themselves or the Christians.
The Indians (as I observ’d before) are indefatigable and
expert Travellers in the Woods, and though they have not
the use of our artificial Compass to guide them, yet they are
never at a loss to find their way, and let them be in never so
great a Wilderness, they understand the North Point per-
Yy? fectly
356 The Natural History
fectly well, the principle Guide they have to instruct them,
being altogether Natural, which is a short Moss that grows
on some Trees exactly on the North side thereof.
They have likewise Names for eight of the thirty two
Points, and call the Winds by their several Names as we
do, but indeed more properly; for the North-West Wind
they call the cold Wind, the North-East, the wet Wind, the
South, the warm Wind, and so agreeably of the rest, accord-
ing to what Weather is produced by each of them.
It frequently happens that they have large Rivers or
Lakes to pass over, and if the Weather be so foggy, as it
sometimes happens, especially in the Spring and fall of the
Leaf, that they cannot see what Course to steer, in this case
they being on one side of the River or Lake, they know what
course such a Place (which they intend for) bears from
them: Their Method in such cases is this, they get a great
many Sticks and Chunks of Wood in their Canoe, and set
off directly for their intended Port, and as they proceed,
they keep throwing over Board a piece of Wood, which di-
rects them; for by seeing how the Stick bears from the
Sterne of the Canoe, they observe to keep right aft; this is
their Compass, by which they will go over a Water of ten
or twenty Leagues abroad.
They know the Head of any River, though five, six, or
seven hundred Miles off, although they were never there
before, as is often proved by their appointing to meet on the
Head of such or such a River, where perhaps not one of
them ever had been, yet they shall rendezvous there exactly
at the time prefixed. If they meet with any Obstructions
in their Journey, they leave certain Marks in the way, that
those who come after them will understand how many have
passed before them, and which way they are gone. It is not
to
of North Carolina. 357
to be imagined how they will trace and find out each other
in these solitary and desolate Woods and Desarts, where
there are no Roads to guide, or any humane Creature to tell
the way. They are also very expeditious in finding out the
Negroes that frequently run away from their Masters into
the Woods, where they commit many outrages against the
Christians, as it happened in Virginia not long since, where
above three Hundred joined together, and did a great deal
of Mischief in that Province before they were suppressed.
The Indian Kings are sent for on these Occasions, who soon
find out their Haunts, and commonly kill many of them
whenever they are sent in pursuit after them, for they never
cease pursuing ’till they destroy or hunt them out of the
Woods: this they will do in the tenth part of the Time that
the Huropeans could do. These Negroes whenever they find
the Indians in pursuit of them, they return, and chuse rather
to submit to the Christians, whom they have injured, than
fall into the Hands of the others, who have a natural aver-
sion to the Negroes, and take Pleasure in putting them to
the most exquisite Torments, when ever they find them thus
in the Woods, being allowed so to do by the Christians.
I saw four and twenty of these Negroes hanged in Vir-
gina, for conspiring against their Masters, who had taken
Sanctuary in the Woods for some time before they were
discovered, or hunted out by the Indians, who are very ser-
viceable to the Christians in those Parts, and many other
Provinces in the hands of the English.
Another Instance of this Nature happened not many Years
ago in this Province; some of our neighbouring Indians
made their Complaint to the Governor, that two Indians
from the Mountains came to their Town when they were
abroad, and had taken one of their Wives by surprize, and
carried
358 The Natural History
carried her away; the Governor desired them immediately
to pursue them, and if it were possible to recover the Woman,
which two of them accordingly did: In travelling some
Days, they brought back the Woman, and the Skins of the
Heads of their Enemies; though they had been three Days
gone off with the Woman before the others pursued them;
how they could discover which way they went, in those
Woods, and Desarts, is not a little surprizing, and few or
none can account for but themselves.
In their War Expeditions they have certain Hieroglyph-
icks, whereby each Party inform the other of the success or
losses they have met with; all of which is so exactly per-
formed by their Sylvan Marks and Characters, that they
are never at a loss to understand one another, yet there never
were found any Letters among the People in this Province,
and I am persuaded that there are neither Letters or Learn-
ing to be met with amongst any of the Natives in all
America.
It is admirable to see how exactly they will draw Maps
of all the Rivers, Towns, Mountains, and Roads, or what —
you shall enquire of them, which may be drawn by their
Directions, and come to a small matter of Latitude, reckon-
ing by the Days Journies. These Maps they will draw
in the Ashes of the Fire, and sometimes on a Mat or piece
of Bark.
I have likewise seen a Pen put into one of their Hands,
wherewith he has not only drawn the Rivers, Bays, and other
parts of this Country, but likewise has imitated the Hand
Writing of those in Company very nicely, but whenever they
make these Discoveries to us, we must be very much in their
Favour, otherwise they will not show you any thing they do
or know.
There
of North Carolina. 359
There are several sorts of rich Mines in this Country,
some of which the Indians are well acquainted with, and
particularly one, whereof they make Bullets for their Guns
to shoot Deer and other Game: I have seen some of this
Oar with them, which is Lead, and of the richest sort, but
they will not discover to us where they get it, especially if
it be near their hunting Quarters; for, they say, it is this
Metal the Europeans so much covet (as they do their Peak
and Ronoak) which if they should discover to the Christians,
they would settle near them, and so deprive them of the best
hunting Matches they have, as they have already done where
they are settled or inhabited; so that by that Means they
shall be driven out of their Country to some unknown parts
to live, hunt, and get their Bread in.
These are the Reasons that they give for not discovering
what they know of this Nature. But amongst the Chris-
- tians there have been few or no Enquiries made at present,
but what were discovered by Chance; yet I am satisfied that
the Mines and Minerals that this Country produces are
extraordinary good and valuable, several Pieces whereof are
daily to be seen amongst them, who make no other use of it
than what I have already mentioned.
The principal Reason of our want of Knowledge in the
Mines and Minerals, and many other valuable Secrets in
Nature that are produced in this part of the World (as the
Spaniards are with theirs) is for want of Encouragement
amongst us; for I am certain were such an Affair managed
and carried on by a Company of Wealthy Members, they
would not only find their Account in so advantageous an Un-
dertaking, but likewise be a great Means to enrich the British
Monarchy. This I testifie from the Knowledge and Dis-
covery
360 The Natural History
covery of some Mines that were made known to me during
my stay in that Country, which I shall be ready to discover
when ever there is just Encouragement given. Such a
beneficial Undertaking might be carried on very cheap in
this Country, where there is not only the benefit of a fine
healthful Climate, and all manner of Necessaries for Life
in great plenty, but likewise all other Conveniences proper
for carrying on such an Affair, to be had in it. I coud say
a great deal more on this Head, having travelled in several
parts of this Province to make the best discoverys I possibly
cou’d of the valuable produce of the Country.
As for Iron-Mine, it is no where better and in greater
plenty, yet there is none of it Manufactured at present. I
will just mention one thing more about the Mines, which I
had like to have forgot: Not many Years ago an Indian
came privately to some of the Planters in this Province,
and told them he wou’d discover a Mine for some small
gratuity, but at the same time conjured them to Secrecy, for
if it were known to his Nation, they woud put him to Death,
and likewise that he never durst come amongst them the
Second time for fear of being discovered by his Country-
men. ‘Things being agreed upon, the Indian brings them to
the Mine, and desired that they wou’d take particular care
to remember and find out the place again, and immediately
left them, and retired into the Woods; with transports of
Joy they returne home, bringing some of the Oar witu
them, which was a very rich Copper-Mine, for I have
seen both the Oar and some of it that was Smelted, but when
they had prepared all things necessary to dig and search for
it, yet they cou’d never find out the place again, or meet with
the Indian afterwards.
When
of North Carolina. 361
When they are disposed to hunt in the Woods, they gen-
erally go out in great Numbers together, and several Days
Journies from home. They always begin these Hunting
matches at the approach of Winter, when the Leaves, are
fallen from the Trees, and become dry, or when Skins and
Furs are best in Season. It is then they burn the Woods,
by setting fire to the wither’d Leaves, Bent and dry Grass,
which they do with matches made of the Black Moss that
hangs on the Trees, which is sometimes above six Feet
long. This Moss when dead becomes black (though of an
Ash colour before) and will then hold Fire as well as the
best Match in Hurope. In places where this Moss is not to
be found (as towards the Mountains and Heads of the Riv-
ers) they make Lentels of the Bark of Cypress, which serves
as well.
Thus they frequently leave their Houses and retire into
the Woods for four or five Months together, viz. November,
December, January, February, and March, at which time
the Skins are in Season, and set Fire to the Woods for many
Miles together to drive out the Deer and other Game into
small Necks of Lands, and other places where they fix their
Guards, by which means they kill and destroy what they
please, especially such as strive to escape the Fire and get
through the passes they have made for that purpose.
In these Hunting matches they bring their Wives and
Mistresses along with them, where they eat several kinds of
Fruits which that Country produces, and live in all the
Mirth and Jolity that it is possible for such People to enter-
tain themselves with. It is in these Hunting matches they
get their complement of Deer-Skins, Furs, and many other
commodities to trade with the Christians, the Deer-Skins
being in Season here in Winter, which is contrary in Hng-
Zz land
362 The Natural History
land and Ireland; most of all their small Game they kill
with their Bows and Arrows, such as Geese, Turkeys, Ducks,
and various kinds of wild Beasts, as Raccoons, Possums,
Squirrels, and several other sorts of Vermine, judging it not
worth throwing Powder and Shot after them.
The wild Turkeys being very plenty in North-Carolina,
especially in the Oak Lands, as most of it is that lies any
distance backwards; some of these they Roast or Boyl, others
they Barbecue and eat with Bears-grease, this is accounted
amongst them a good Dish, and indeed I do not doubt but it
is, for the Bears-grease (as I said before) is the sweetest and
least offensive to the Stomach of any Fat of Animals yet
known in America; and I am very certain that the Turkeys
are Fat, and exceeding good eating, if well dress’d.
The Men never beat their Corn to make Bread, that is the
Women’s Work, and especially the Girls, where you shall
see four of them beating with long Pestils in a narrow
wooden Mortar, and every one keeping her stroke so exactly,
that it is worthy of admiration, and curious to behold them
when they are thus at Work; for these Indians have no man-
ner of Mills, or any other way to make their Meal but with
Mortars.
Their Cookery continues from Morning till Night, dress-
ing their Venison after different Methods, according to each
one’s Fancy, this being the Women’s business: The Hunt-
ing makes them Hungry, and they are a People that eat
very often, and frequently get up at Midnight, and other
unseasonable Hours to eat and satisfie their craving Appe-
tites, notwithstanding you shall never see any of them Cor-
pulent or Fat.
They plant several sorts of Pulse, part of which they eat
green in the Summer, keeping sufficient quantities for their
Winter Provision; this they carry with them to eat in their
Hunting
of North Carolina. 363
Hunting Matches. The small Red Pease are very common
with them, and several other sorts, which they boyle with
their Meat, or with Pigeon’s or Bear’s Fat; this Food makes
them break Wind backwards, which the Men frequently do,
seem well pleased, and laugh heartily, being accounted no
Ill Manners amongst them; but the Women are seldom
known to be guilty of that indecent Custom.
At their setting out either for War or Peace, or upon any
other extraordinary Expedition, there are several Formalli-
ties amongst them, and they whose Business it is to attend
their hunting Camp, are generally those that are not good
or expert Hunters, therefore are employed to carry Bur-
thens, to get Bark for their Cabins, and all other servile
Work, likewise to go too and fro to their Towns, and bring
News to the old People (whom they leave behind) of their
Success and Welfare.
The Women are likewise obliged to carry their Loads of
Grain and other Provisions with them to these randezvous,
and provide Firewood to dress Victuals; for a good Hunter
or Warrior, in these Expeditions is employed in no other
Business than the Affairs of Game or Battle. The great
quantities of Fruit that they dry in the Summer over Fires
and Hurdles, and in the Sun, are at these times brought into
the Field; as are also the Cakes and Quiddonies of Peaches ;
with this Fruit and the Bull-berries dried, they stew and
make fruit Bread and Cakes, and have variety of other sorts
of Fruits preserved, which are brought out upon these occa-
sions.
In some parts of this Province, especially near the Moun-
tains, and amongst the Indians in those Places, they have
several hundred Gallons of Pigeon’s Oil or Fat, which they
preserve for their Winter Stores, using it with their Pulse,
Roots, and Bread, as we do Butter: These Fowl are so
Lz 2 plenty,
364 The Natural History
plenty, that Millions of them are seen in Flocks in a Day,
they sometimes break large Boughs of the Pine, and other
Trees whereon they perch or roost at Night, making the
Ground as white as Snow with their Dung, and destroying
every Herb or small Plant where it falls, being in some
Places above half a Foot deep. The Indians take a Light
of Pitch-Pine in one Hand, a long Pole in the other, and
go into the Woods at Night where they are, and kill thou-
sands of them by knocking them off the Trees; this is always
done in the Winter, at which time they appear in Flocks.
Thus they remain in these hunting Camps all the Win-
ter, and part of the Spring, ’till such time as the Season ap-
proaches for planting their Maze, Pulse, and other Fruits.
In these Quarters at spare Hours, they make Baskets and
Mais to lie upon, and those that are not extraordinary Hunt-
ers, make Bowls, Dishes and Spoons, of Guwm-Wood and
Tulip-Tree. Others where they find a Vein of White Clay
fit for their Purpose, make Tobacco Pipes, and several other
things, which are often transported and bartered with other
Indians that have plenty of Deer Skins, or such Commodi-
ties as they have occasion for. They buy with these Manu-
factures, their Raw Skins with the Hair on, which our
Neighbouring Indians bring to their Towns, and in the
Summer make their Slaves and bad Hunters dress them;
the Winter Sun being not strong enough to dry them; those
that are dried in their Cabins are black with the Light-
wood Smoak, which they commonly burn.
Their way of dressing their Skins is by soaking them in
Water; they get the Hair off with an Instrument made of
the Bone of a Deer’s Foot (some use a sort of Iron Drawing
Knife, which they purchase from the Huropeans) after the
Hair is take off, they dissolve Deer’s Brains (which they
have
of North Carolina. 365
have made into Cakes and baked in the Embers) in a Bowl
of Water, where they soak and rub the Skins ’till they have
sucked up all the Water, then they dry them gently, and
keep continually working them with an Oyster-shell, or some
such thing to scrape withal ’till they are dry, by which means
they become soft and pliable. The Skins dressed after this
manner, will not endure Wet, but become hard; they there-
fore Cure them in the Smoak, or Tan them with the Bark
of Trees: When they have not the Brains to dress their
Skins, they use the young Indian Corn beaten to Pulp,
which hath the same Effect as the former, for they are never
at a loss for one or the other to Cure them, but whether they
have any other Method is unknown to the Christians, which
I am apt to believe they have; for I have seen abundance
of them drest, which would endure the Water, and were as
pliable as any in Hwrope, and would wash as well.
They are not only good and expert Hunters of the Wild
Beasts and Game of the Forest, but likewise very dextrous
in taking the Fish in the Rivers and Waters near which
they inhabit, and are acquainted with. Thus they that live
a great way up the Rivers practice striking Sturgeon, Rock-
fish or Bass, and several other sorts of fish with lights, that
come up the Rivers and Creeks to Spawn.
They have Fish-gigs that are made of the Reeds or Hollow
Canes, these they cut and make very sharp, with two
Beards, and taper at the Point like a Harpoon; being thus
provided, they either wade into the Water, or go into their
Canoes, and paddle about the Edges of the Rivers or Creeks,
striking all the Fish they meet with in the depth of five or
six Feet of Water, or as far as they can see them; this they
commonly do in dark calm Nights, and whilst one attends
with
366 The Natural History
with a Light made of the Pitch-pine, the other with his
Fish-gig strikes and kills the Fish: It is diverting to see
them fish after this manner, which they sometimes do in the
Day; how dexterous they are in striking, is admirable, and
the great quantities they kill by this Method.
They likewise kill vast quantities of Sturgeon, which they
take in Snares as we do Pike and Trout in Europe. The
Herrings in March and April run a great way up the Rivers
and fresh Streams to Spawn, where they make large Wears
with Hedges of long Poles or Hollow Canes, that hinder
their passage only in the middle, where an artificial pond is
made to take them in, so that they cannot return. These
Wears are common all over the Rivers, and fresh Water
Streams in these parts, where they take vast quantities of
Herrings, Trouts, Pikes, and several other sorts of Fish that
are plentifully to be met with in them.
The taking of Craw Fish is likewise very pleasant and
diverting, for when they are disposed to get these Shell Fish,
they take a piece of Venison and half Barbcue or Roast it,
then they cut it into thin Slices, which they stick through
with Reeds about six Inches distance betwixt each piece,
the Reeds are made sharp at one end, and they strike a great
many of them down in the Bottom of the Water (thus
baited) in small running Brooks where the Craw fish con-
stantly frequent. Thus they sit by and attend those baited
Sticks, every now and then taking them up to see how many
are at the Bait, where they generally find abundance, so take
them off and put them in Baskets provided for that purpose,
and then stick down the Reeds again, by this method in a
little time they will catch several Bushels full, which are as
good as any in Hurope.
Those
of North Carolina. 367
Those that live or frequent near the Salt Water take
abundance of Fish of several sorts, some of them are very
large, which to preserve, they first Barbecue, then pull them
to pieces, and dry them in the Sun, and keep them for their
Necessities; as for Scate, Oysters, Cockles, and several other
sorts of Shell-fish, they open and dry upon Hurdles, keeping
a constant Fire under them; these Hurdles are made of
Reeds or Hollow Canes, in shape of a Gridiron. Thus they
dry several Bushels of them, and keep for their Provision
in time of scarcety.
At the time when they are on the Salts and Sea Coasts,
they have another sort of Fishery for little Shell-fish, called
in Hngland, Blackmoor’s Teeth; these they catch by tying
bits of Oysters to a long String, and lay it in such places as
they know these Fishes haunt; they get hold of the Oysters
and suck them in, that they pull them up by the Strings in
great Quantities; they carry these a great way into the Main
Land to trade with the remote Indians, where they are of
great value, but never near the Sea, being common, and
therefore not much esteemed by them that live near the
Salts.
It is an established Custom amongst all the Natives in
these Parts, that the young Hunters never eat of that Buck,
Bear, Fish, or any other sort of Game which happens to be
the first they kill, because they believe if they should eat
thereof, they never would be afterwards fortunate in Hunt-
ing. The like foolish Custom they hold when they make a
Wear to take Fish in, if a Woman with Child eat of the first
Dish caught therein, they say that Wear will never take
much Fish in it afterwards.
The Tobacco is in such great Esteem amongst some Na-
tions of the Indians, that they think their Gods are delighted
therewith,
368 The Natural History
therewith, whereupon they make Fires and cast some of the
Powder thereof into it for a Sacrifice, and being in a Storm
upon the Waters, to pacifie the Bad Spirit, they cast some
up into the Air and the Water; likewise a Wear to take
Fish, being newly made, they cast some thereon, and into
the Air, as also for an escape from Danger. All this is per-
formed with strange Ceremonies and Gestures, one while
Stamping, Leaping, Dancing, clapping of Hands, and utter-
ing of strange Words.
As for killing of Snakes, most Indians avoid it, and if
they even lye in their way, they will not molest them, but
pass by on the other side, because their Opinion is, that if
they should kill them, the Serpent’s kindred would destroy
some of their Brethren, Friends, or Relations, in return.
They have a thousand of these foolish Ceremonies and Cus-
toms amongst them, which they stedfastly believe, and are
strict observers of, but are too tedious to mention, and would
be of little or no advantage to the Readers.
There are some few of them that use the Jewish Custom
of Curcumcision, though this kind of Practice is but seldom,
used amongst them; I never knew but two Families in all
the Nations of Indians I have conversed with, that were so;
the Reason whereof I could never learn, notwithstanding I
was very intimate with them, and have often urged them to
give me an account on that Head, but could get no manner
of Answer, which with them is as much as to say, I will not
tell you. They have many other strange Customs amongst
them, that they will render no Reason for, or give any Ac-
count of to the Huropeans.
The Savages in these parts are never known to be guilty
of that abominable Sin called Sopomy, as many in the Phil-
ippian Islands are said to be. Mr. Candish in his Travels
reporteth,
of North Carolina. 369
reporteth, ’ That the Savages in Capul, an Island near Ma-
‘nila in the West Indies, have a very strange Custom amongst
‘them, which is this, every Man and Male Child hath a
‘Nail of Tin thrust through the Head of his Private Mem-
‘ber, being split and rivited at the lower End, this is done
‘whilst they are young, and the place groweth up again
‘without any great pain to the Child, this Nail they can
‘take out and in as there is occasion,’ And the same Author,
as a Confirmation of the Truth hereof, says, ‘ We ourselves
‘have taken one of these Nails out of the Private Member
‘of a King’s Son, who was ten Years old.’ This Custom
he likewise says, was granted at the Request of the Women
in that Country, who finding their Men to be given to
Sopomy, desired some Remedy against that Mischief, and
obtained this of the Magistrates.
They are very great Conjurers, of whom there are several
strange Stories related who perform their Exorcism, after
the following Manner. The Sorcerer apparells himself in
a clean dres’d Deer Skin; they make a large Fire in the
middle of the Plantation, the Indians all sitting round it;
the Conjurer is blindfolded very secure, and surrounds the
Fire three times; leaving the Company at the Fire, he went
some distance into the Woods, where he stayed a short time,
at his Return he surrounded the Fire as before, and leaving
them a second time, he went into the Woods, where he re-
mained about half an Hour, he performed this Hxorcism
the third time, after this he made a very strange and fright-
ful Howling, which being finished, an Indian immediately
caught hold of him, and led him to the Fire; by this time
he was so feeble and weak that he could not stand alone,
being all over in a Sweat, and as wet as if he had fallen into
94. Aaa the
370 The Natural History
the River, after some little time he recovers his Strength,
and gives them an Account of what they demand.
It is reported by several Planters in those parts, that they
raise great Storms of Wind, and that there are many fright-
ful Apparitions that appear above the Fires during the time
of their Conjuration, that large Swarms of very strange and
uncommon sorts of Flies have been seen to hover over the
Fire for some time and then to fall into it, where they were
all visibly consum’d, and likewise the Appearance of several
frightful sorts of Birds, and lastly a strong smell of Brim-
stone, whilst they are performing these Charms.
I shall mention some of their practices, and so leave them
to the Judgment of every Reader; these Conjurers are the
Priests and Doctors of every Nation amongst the Indians,
to whom the common People give great Credit and Respect,
because they believe them to be great Magicians, that they
frequently converse with the good and bad Spirit. They
likewise make the Orations at every Feast or publick Meet-
ing.
These Conjurers likewise serve them instead of Physi-
tians and Surgeons, who constantly attend the sick, and
always carry about them a bag full of Herbs to cure their
disorders, these make Harangues about the deceas’d, let his
Death be occasioned after ever so different a manner, for
if it shou’d be occasion’d by Sickness, then he tells the Peo-
ple that it is the bad Spirit that occasion’d his Death. But
if it shoud happen that an Indian comes to an untimely
Death by any accident, then the Doctor makes an Oration
suitable to the Occasion.
For it happen’d not many Years ago, that an Indian was
kill’d by Lightning, and before the Interment, according to
their Custom, every one had some hot Victuals or Yauwpan-
Tea given him, which he did with what he pleased. Then
the
of North Carolina. 371
the Doctor began to talk, and told the People what Lightning
was, that it kill’d every thing upon the Earth, that the very
Fishes did not escape, for it often reach’d the Whales, Por-
poses, and other Fishes, and destroyed them; that every-
thing strove to shun it, except the Mice, who he said were
the busiest in eating their Corn in the Fields when it
Inghtned and Thunderd the most. He likewise added, that
no Wood or Tree cou’d withstand it, except the Black-Gum,
and that it wou’d run round that Tree a great many times to
enter therein, but cou’d not effect it. Now you-must un-
derstand that sort of Gum will not split or rive; therefore
I suppose the Story might arise from thence. Lastly he
began to tell ridiculous absurd lyes about Lightning, that
cou’d be invented; as that an Indian of their Nation had
once got Lightning in the likeness of a Partrige, that no
other Lightning cow’d hurt him whilst he had that about
him, that after he had kept it for several Years it got away
from him, and that then he became as liable to be struck
with Lightning as any other Man; thus they amuse the
People with a Thousand such like ridiculous stories, which
they receive for the most infallible Truths.
They likewise deliver the hearers several traditional sto-
ries of great Battles that were fought by their Ancestors,
of strange Beasts and Birds that were to be met with many
Years ago, and that a great Rattle Snake that lived in a
Creek in North-Carolina kill’d abundance of Indians, but
at last a Bald Hagle kill’d it, and they were rid of a Serpent
that us’d to devour whole Canoes full of Indians at a time.
So that you may see how easie these Wretches are to be im-
pos’d upon by these old Cunting Knaves, who I am per-
swaded understand a little better than to give credit to any
such Fooleries.
Aaa I
S72 The Natural History
I will in the next place give some account of their Physick
and Surgery. These Doctors or Conjurors are those (as I
said before) that visit and attend the sick, who use many
charms of Witcheraft, and to gain a greater esteem and
credit amongst these People, they tell them that all their
Destempers are the effects of the bad or evil Spirit, who has
struck them with this or that malady. Therefore none of
these Doctors undertake any distemper, but that he first
comes to an Hxorcism to effect the Cure, and acquaints the
sick parties Friends or Relations, that he must converse with
the good Spirit, to know whether the Patient will recover
or not; if so, then he will drive out the bad Spirit, and then
the sick Person will recover and become well.
When an Jndian is sick, if they think there is much dan-
ger of Life, and that he is a great Man, or hath good Friends,
their method or behaviour in curing is as follows. The
Doctor is immediately sent for, and as soon as he comes into
their Cabin, the sick Person is placed on a Mat or Skin
stark naked, lying on his Back all uncover’d, except some
small trifle that covers their nakedness when ripe, otherwise
in Children, or young People there is nothing about them.
In this manner the Patient lies when the Conjurer or Doctor
appears, and generally the King of that Nation comes to
attend him with a Rattle made of a Gourd with Pease or
Indian-Corn in it, which the King delivers into the Doctors
Hands, whilst another brings a Bowl of Water and sets it
down.
Things being thus prepared, the Doctor then begins and
utters some few Words softly; afterwards he smells to the
Patients Navel, and sometimes Scearifies him a little with
a Flint, or an Instrument made of Rattle-Snake’s Teeth for
that purpose, then he Sucks the part, and gets out a Mouth-
ful
of North Carolina. 373
ful of Blood and Serum, but Serum, chiefly, which he spits
into the Bowl of Water, by which means he pretends to Suck
out what occasions the Distemper.
Then he begins to mutter and talk apace; and at last to
eut Capers and clap his Hands on his Britch and sides till
he is all over in a Sweat, which to an Huropean woud not
only seem a very odd and strange Sight, but likewise that he
was running Mad, every now and then Sucking the Patient,
till such time as he gets great quantities of Blood and ill
colour’d Matter, out of the Belly, Armes, Breast, Forehead,
Temples, Neck, and most other parts of the Body, still con-
tinuing his Grimaces and Antick Postures, which to Huro-
peans woud seem more like the Actions of Men in Bedlam
than Doctors attending the Sick.
At last you will see the Doctor all over in a Sweat, and so
feeble, that he is scarce able to stand or utter one Word,
having quite spent himself, then he will cease for a while to
recruit his Spirits, and begin again, ’till he comes to the
same pitch of raving and seeming Madness as before; during
all this time and these performances of the Doctor, the sick
Person never so much as moves, although doubtless the Scar-
ifying and Sucking must be a great punishment to him.
But they are the most patient under the Misfortunes of
Life, of any People I ever saw in all my Travels: Lastly,
the Doctor makes an end, and tells the Patient’s Friends
whether the sick Person will Live or Dye, and then some
one that waits at this Ceremony takes the Blood away (which
remains in a Lump in the middle of the Water) and imme-
diately Buries it very secretly in the Ground, the Place
being unknown to any but he that inters it.
These
374 The Natural History
These People are great Inchanters, and use many Charms
of Wetcheraft, for when they are troubled with the Head-
ach, they tye a great Stone with a String to a Stick or Pole,
and with certain Prayers, or bewitching expressions, they
lift up the Stone from the Ground to the top of the Pole,
which sometimes with all a Man’s strength they cannot stir
from the place; and at other times they lift as easy as a
Feather; by this Spell and certain Ceremonious Words, they
expect to have immediate ease and help for the Patient. I
am thoroughly satisfied that these Conjurors are very great
Impostures, yet I have seldom or never known their Judg-
ment fail in regard of the Patients living or dying, though
I have seen them give their opinion after this manner sey-
eral times: Some affirm that there is a smell of Brimstone
in the Cabins whilst they are thus Conjuring, which I can-
not contradict, nor will I take upon me to argue how it came
there, but shall proceed to another relation of one of their
Indian Kings being sick, and the method us’d by the Doctor
for the recovery of his health, which is something like the
former, v7z.
One of their Kings being sick, the Doctor was immedi-
ately sent for, and as soon as he arriv’d, he orderd a Bowl
of Water to be brought him and placed before the King, on
whom he sprinkled some part out of his Mouth, then he took
a string of Ronoak about too Feet long (which is like a string
of small Beads) this he held at one end between his Fingers,
and the other touched the Kings Stomach; he began to mut-
ter many expressions or Words, and to use many grimaces
for sometime, at length the string of Beads that hung thus
perpendicular, turn’d up as an Hel woud do, and without
any motion of his Hand came all up in a Lump under his
Hand, and remain’d so for a considerable time, he never
closing
of North Carolina. 373
closing his Hand all the while; at last they returned to their
former shape and length; at which the Huropean Spectators
were much surprized, some of them confidently atlirmed,
that they heard something answer him whilst he muttered
some Words, though there was nothing to be seen. The
Doctor told the Company that the King would recover, and
that his Disorder would remove into his Leg, that it would
be much inflam’d and swell’d, which happened exactly as
he foretold.
They also conjure for stollen Goods, though Robbery and
Theft are not common Vices amongst them, yet they are
sometimes guilty of these Crimes; and steal Ronoak and
Deer Skins from each other; when they cannot discover the
Thief, they immediately send for the Conjurer to find him
out, and as soon as he appears, he begins after the following
manner. First he orders three Fires to be made after a
triangular Form, which is accordingly done; he is then hood-
winked very securly with a Deer Skin, doubled two or three
times, over his Face; when this is done, he is placed in the
center of the three Fires: after he has made some Motions
(as always these Conjwrers do) he went directly out of one
of the three gaps of the Fire, as directly as if he could see,
muttering to himself, having a Stick in his Hand, with
which, after some time, he gives two strokes very hard upon
the Ground, and made thereon a kind of Cross, after which
he told them the Name of the Person that had stolen the
Goods, and said he would have a Mark like a Cross on his
Back, which proved accordingly, for when he was taken and
search’d, there appeared two great Wheals on his Back one
cross the other.
There are several other Stories of this Nature, which the
most substantial and credible Planters in these parts affirm
for Truth, and that they have been Eye-witnesses to. They
also
376 The Natural History
also report that they have seen one of these Conjurers take
a Hollow Cane about two Feet long, in his Mouth, and stand
by a Creek side, where he called with the Reed two or three
times, at last opened his Arms, and flew over a Creek about
a quarter of a Mile broad, as if he had been running upon
Terra Firma. I shall urge no Man’s belief in this, having
never seen it done by any of them, and only give it as re-
ported above; but some of the former I have been a Witness
to, therefore dare boldly assert as Fact.
As to their Religion, it is impossible to give any true De-
scription of it, for as they can neither read nor write, what-
ever they have of this kind is founded meerly upon Tradi-
tion. There are a great many Customs, or rather Absurd-
ities amongst them, which they keep as the most profound
Secret; that they never will acquaint any of the Christians
with the Knowledge thereof, notwithstanding the many Meth-
ods used, such as making them Drunk, the promise of .Re-
wards, dc. but to no purpose, for so subtile and cunning are
they, that it is next to an impossibility to make them, discover
it, or to fathom out their secret Designs, whether they do
this because they are sensible of their own Weakness in
practicing them, or any other Motive they may have to
induce them so to do, is known to none but themselves, let
other Writers pretend what they will to give a true Notion
of their Worship; you shall see them amongst their Idols
and dead Kings in their Quiogoson or Charnel House, where
the Bones of the deceased are laid (a Custom like this we
read of practiced by the Indians in the Kingdom of Pegu in
the Hast Indies) into which place the King, with the Con-
jurers and some few old Men are admitted to go, but as for
the young Men, and the chiefest Number of the Indians,
they are kept as ignorant of what the Elders are as any
Huropean,
of North Carolina. 377.
European, let him be in ever so great Esteem and Friend-
ship with the King or great Men; he is not admitted to enter
the House at those times, or to have Knowledge of their
Secrets or what they are doing.
They are generally very ignorant of the first Creation of
Man, or from whence they came, for some say they are de-
scended from an old Man who came thither in a Boat, which
they call a Canoe; but whether this was before or after the
Flood, they can give little or no satisfactory Account. Oth-
ers (with whom I have frequently conversed on that Head)
believe that they are made out of the fine white Mould or
Earth, and that the Blacks or Negroes are formed out of the
black Dirt and swampy Earth; this was all that I could ever
learn from them on that subject. They all believe that the
World is round; and that there are two Spirits, the one Good
and the other Bad. The Good one they reckon to be the
Author and Maker of all Things, and say that it is he that
gives them the first Fruits of the Earth, and teaches them
to Hunt, Fish, and be wise enough to overcome the Beasts
of the Wilderness, and all other Creatures, that they may be
assistant unto Man. To which they add, that the Quera,
or Good Spirit has been very kind to the Huropeans, in teach-
ing them how to make Guns and Amumnition, besides a
great many other Necessaries that are helpful to Man, all
which they say will be delivered to them when the Good
Spirit shall think fit: They also believe the Good Spirit
does not punish any one in this World or that to come, but
that he delights in doing good to Mankind, in giving them
plenty of the Fruits of the Earth, instructing them to make
many useful Things, and all the Advantages and Pleasures
they enjoy. But as for the Bad Spirit (who lives separate
from the Good one) they say it is he that torments them
Bbb with
378 The Natural History
with Sickness, Disappointments, Losses, Hunger, Cold,
Travel, and all other Misfortunes that are incident to human
Life, whom they worship to appease his Wrath. As to what
concerns their Treatment in the other World, I shall treat
of it hereafter, when I come to make mention of their No-
tions concerning Heaven and Hell.
Though the Indians are very resolute, and die with a great
deal of Courage and Bravery, in the Hands of their Enemies;
yet I have known them tremble, and be in the greatest fear
and agony imaginable, when they had sentence of Death
pronounced against them by the Hnglish, for Capital Crimes,
whereof they have been sometimes guilty. Whether this
Fear was owing to their not being put to death by their
common Enemies, or being delivered up to the Hnglish by
their own Nation, I cannot determine. I am certain they
meet with more Favour from the Christians, than they do
amongst themselves, who only hang them on Trees for their
Offences. These Savages sometimes shew the greatest Re-
luctance and Concern imaginable to deliver up these Offend-
ers to the Huropeans, especially if he was a great Warrior
or Hunter amongst them; yet for their own safety they will
comply, and put the Offender into their Hands, to be dealt
with according to their Laws.
These Kings have been known to make offers to the Chris-
tians by way of Exchange for an Innocent Person to die in
the room of the Guilty: so fond are they to preserve their
own Men if possibly they can; but these being Requests con-
trary to the Christian. Principles, are never granted or com-
pled with.
When a Criminal is hanged, the King with the Relations
of the deceased come and pull him by the Hand and say
Words to this purpose: Thou wilt never play any more
roguish
of North Carolina. 379
roguish Tricks in this World, and whether art thou gone now
to play thy Tricks. When the Criminal is dead and taken
down, they are perfectly easy, and free from all manner of
Concern about him, though a few Days before so unwilling
to deliver him up; they generally end these Tragedies in
Feasting and a fit of Laughter, which puts an end to their
Mourning for the loss of their Friend, and never think of the
deceas’d more.
Their Burials are different from each other, every Nation
having peculiar Methods of their own; some of which I shall
here give an account of, viz. They raise a Mole of Earth,
the Mould whereof they take great pains to make smooth,
and is higher or lower according to the Dignity of the Per-
son deceas’d, whose Monument it is, over which there is a
Shade or Umbrella, made Ridge-ways, like the Roof of a
House, this is supported by nine Stakes or small Posts
driven into the Ground, the Grave being about six or eight
Feet in length, and near four Feet in breadth, about which
they hang Gourds, Feathers, and such like Trophies placed
by the dead Man’s Relations, in respect to him in the Grave.
The other parts of the Funeral Rights are thus: As soon as
the Party is dead, they lay the Corps upon a piece of the
Bark of a Tree in the Sun, seasoning or embalming it with
a small Root beaten to Powder, which they have in plenty,
but will never discover to the Huropeans where it grows, it
looks as red as Vermillion, which they mix with Bear’s-oil, to
beautifie and preserve their Hair. After the Carcase has lain
a Day or two in the Sun, they remove and lay it upon
Crotches made for that purpose to support it from the Earth ;
they anoint it all over with the above-mentioned Oyntment
made of the Red Root and Bear’s-grease ; when this is done,
they cover it all over very exactly with the Barks of the
. Pine.
380 The Natural History
Pine, or Cypress Tree, to prevent the Rain falling upon it,
and other injuries of the Weather; frequently sweeping the
Ground very clean about it. Some of his nearest Relations
bring all the Temporal Estate he was possest of at his Death,
such as Guns, Bows and Arrows, Beads, Feathers, Deer
Skins, Matchcoats, and the like, wherewith they adorn the
Grave. The nearest Relation is the principal Mourner, be-
ing clad in Moss (that grows upon Trees) after a very odd
and strange manner, with a Stick in his Hand, keeping a
mournful Ditty for three or four Days, his Face being made
as black as a Negroe with the Smoak and Soot of the Pitch
Pine, mingled with Bear’s-grease; during this time he tells
all the Spectators that approach near him, or pass by, who
the deceased was, and what great Feats he performed in his
life time, all tending to the Praise of the defunct.
When the Flesh grows Mellow, and cleaves from the Bones,
they take it off and burn it, making the Bones very clean,
and anoint them with Ointment, wrapping the Scull up very
carefully in a Cloth artificially woven of Possum’s Hair or
a dressed Deer Skin, which they every Year or oftner,
cleanse and anoint with the Red Oyntment, by these Means
they preserve them for many Ages; they likewise carry them
from place to place as they remove their Dwellings; that it
is common to see an Indian in the Possession of the Bones of
his Grandfather, Father, or some Relation of longer An-
tiquity.
They have other sorts of Monuments or Tombs for the
dead, as where one was slain, in that very Place they raise
a heap of Stones, if any are to be met with in the Place, if
not, with Sticks, to his Memory; that every one that passeth
by that place augments the Heap in respect of the deceas’d.
Some Nations of these Indians have great rejoycing and
Feasts at their Burials.
There
of North .Carolina. 381
There are other Nations who differ from the former in
burying their Dead: When one of them dies, the greater
he was in Dignity, the more Expensive is his Funeral, and
performed with the greater Ceremony: When a King dies,
they bury him with a great deal of Solemnity; (according to
their Method) upon his Grave they set the Cup wherein he
used to drink out of, about the Grave they stick many Ar-
rows, weep and fast three Days successively without ceasing ;
all the Kings who were his Friends make the like Mourning,
in token of the Love they had for him; they cut off more than
the one half of their Hair, the Women as well as the Men:
During the space of six Moons (so some Nations reckon
their months) there are certain Women appointed which
lament the death of the King, crying with a loud Voice three
time a Day, viz. Morning, Noon, and in the Evening. All
the goods of the King are put into his House, and then they
set 1t on Fire wherein they consume all. They likewise
bury the Body of the Priests or Conjurers in their Houses,
which they set on Fire with all the Goods.
For it is to be observ’d, notwithstanding these People are
so very illiterate and bred after such a Savage manner: Yet
they have as great regard and respect for their Kings and
great Men, as any People to be met with. When any of
these great Men dye, their methods in their Burials are dif-
ferent from the former, for the first thing that is done is to
place the nearest Relations nigh the Corps, who Mourn and
Weep very much, having their Hair hanging down their
Shoulders in a very Forlorn manner. After the dead Per-
son has lain a Day and a Night upon their Hurdles made of
Canes, commonly in some out House prepared for that pur-
pose. Those that Officiate about the Funeral go into the
Town, and the first young Men they meet with that have
Blankets
382 The Natural History
Blankets or Match-coats on, which they think fit for their
turn, they strip them from their Backs, who suffer them so
to do without any manner of resistance; this being common
amongst several of their Nations; these they wrap the dead
Bodies in, and cover them with two or three Mats, which the
Indians make of Rushes, and last of all they have a long
Web of woven Reeds or Hollow Canes, which is their Coffin,
and is brought round the Corps several times and tyed at
both ends, which indeed looks very decent, and well amongst
these Savages.
Then the Corps is brought out of the House into their
Orchard of Peach Trees, where another Hurdle is made to
receive it, about which come all the Relations and Nation
that the dead Person belong’d to, besides several other Na-
tions in alliance with them, they all sit down upon Mats on
the Ground, spread for that purpose, every one seemingly
dejected for the loss of their deceas’d Friend and Country-
man, but more especially the Relations.
Things being thus accomodated, their Priests or Conjur-
ers appear, and after having commanded their Attention, and
every one is silent, he pauses for some short time, then begins
to give an Account who the deceased Person was, how stout
a Man he approved himself, how many Enemies and Cap-
tives he had kill’d and taken, how strong, tall, and nimble
he was, that he was a great Hunter, a lover of his Country,
and possessed of a great many beautiful Wives and Children;
which is esteemed the greatest of Blessings amongst them, in
which they have a very true Notion. Thus this Orator runs
on highly extolling the dead Man for his Valour, Conduct,
Strength, Riches, good Humour, and even enumerating his
Guns, Slaves, and all he was possest of when living. After
this
of North Carolina. 383
this he addresses himself to the People of that Town or Na-
tion to whom the deceased belonged, and bids them supply
his Place by following his Steps, who he assures them is
gone into a Country (which lies a great way off in this
World, that the Sun visits in his ordinary Course) where he
shall meet with all his Relations and Friends who are gone
there before him, that he shall have the enjoyment of hand-
some Women, great store of Deer to hunt, and never meet
with Hunger, Cold or Fatigue, but every thing to answer
his Expectation and Desire.
This is the Heaven which they propose to themselves, but
on the contrary, for those Indians that are Lazy and Thievish
amongst them, bad Hunters, and no Warriors, nor of much
use to the Nation, to such they allot in the other World, or
the Country that they are to go to, Hunger, Cold, Fatigue,
Trouble, old Ugly Women for their Companions, Snakes, and
all sorts of Nastiness for them constantly to feed upon; after
this manner they describe their Heaven and Hell.
After all this Harangue, he amuses the People with some
of their traditions, as when there was a violent hot Summer,
or very hard Winter, when any notable distemper rag’d
amongst them, when they were at War with such and such
Nations, how victorious they were, what were the Names of
the War Captains, and many other things of Antiquity; and
to prove the times more exactly, he produces the Records of
the Country, which are a parcel of Reeds of different lengths,
with variety of distinct markes, and Notches, known to none
but themselves, (by which they seem to guess very exactly at
accidents that happen’d many Years ago, nay two or three
Ages or more).
They
384 The Natural History
They likewise give an Account that in the Year 1608,
there was such a hard Winter in North-Carolina, that the
great Sound was so Frozen, that the Wild Geese and other
Fowl came into the Woods to eat Acorns, that they were so
tame (I suppose through want) that they kill’d abundance
in the Woods by knocking them on the Head with Sticks,
and it is very strange how exactly one Nation will agree with
another as to the time when these things happen’d, having
no manner of Records to guide them but these bits of Sticks.
But to returne to the dead Man, when this long Tale is
ended by the Conjuror that spoke first; perhaps a second
begins another long story, a third, and fourth, if there be so
many of these Priests or Doctors present, which all tell
partly one and the same thing, at last the Corps is brought
away from the Hurdle to the Grave by four young Men,
attended by the Relations, the King, old Men and most part
of the Nation.
When they come to the Sepulchre which is about six Feet
deep, and eight Feet long, having at each end (that is at
Head and Feet) a Light-wood or Pitch Pine-fork driven
close to the sides of the Grave, firmly into the Ground
(these two Forks are to contain a Ridge Pole, as 1 shall pres-
ently describe) before they lay the Corps into the Grave,
the bottom is covered two or three times over with the Barks
of Trees, then they let down the Corps (with two Belts, that
the Indians carry their Burthens with) very leisurely on the
said Bark, then they lay over a Pole of the same Wood into the
two Forks, having a great many Pieces of Pitch-Pine-logs
about two Feet and a half long, they stick down one End of
them in the sides of the Grave, and the other End lies on
the Ridge-Pole, that they decline like the Roof of a House,
being thus placed, they cover them (many double) with
Barks
of North Carolina. 385
Barks of Trees, and throw the Earth thereon that was taken
out of the Grave, and beat it down very firm: By this means
the dead Body lies as in a Vault, nothing touching it, which
I esteem a very decent way amongst them, having seen sev-
eral Christians buried without the tenth part of that Cere-
mony and Decency.
As soon as the Flesh begins to cleave from the Bones, they
take up the Carcasses and scrape them clean, which they
joint in the nature of a Skeleton; afterwards they dress them
up in pure white Deer Skins, and deposite them amongst
their Kings and Grandees in their Quzogozon, which is their
Royal Tomb, or Burial Place of their Kings and War Cap-
tains. This is a large and magnificent Cabin amongst them
(according to their way or method of Building) raised at the
publick Charge of the Nation, and maintained in due form
and neatness. About seven Feet high is a Floor or Loft,
whereon lye the Bones of all the Princes and Great Men that
have died for several hundred Years past, attired in the
Dressed Deer Skins, as I have before Remarked. No Per-
son is allowed to have his Bones lie in this Quwtogozon or
Charnel House, and to be thus dress’d, unless he gives a good
Sum of their Money to the Rulers for Admittance.
It is to be observed, that if they remove to any part of the
Continent, they seldom fail to carry these Bones along with
them, though the tediousness of their short daily Marches
keep them never so long on their Journies. They reverence
and adore this Qwiogozon, with all the Veneration and Re-
spect that is possible for such a People to discharge; they had
rather loose all they are possessed of than have any Violence
or Injury offered thereto; by this we may see what a Respect
they have for their deceas’d Ancestors.
25 Cee They
386 The Natural History
They differ some small matter in their Burials from each
other, some burying right upwards, and some otherwise, as
I have before intimated; yet for the most part they all agree
in their Method of Mourning, which is to appear every
Night, or oftner, at the Sepulchre, and weep and howl after
a dismal manner, having their Faces daubed over with Light-
wood-Soot, and Bear’s-oil, which makes the Face as black as
Oil and Lamp-black could do. In this black Figure they
remain for a Year or longer, according to the Dignity of the
deceas’d.
If the deceas’d Person was a Grandee, such as a King or
War Captain, and the like, to carry on the Funeral Ceremo-
nies with greater Formality and Pomp, they hire People to
ery and lament over the deceas’d: There are several Persons
of both Sexes that practice this for a livelyhood, and are ex-
pert at shedding abundance of Tears, and howling like a
Parcel of Wolves, or distracted People in Bedlam; by this
means they discharge their Office with abundance of Art,
and great Applause from the Indians. These People regard-
ing those kind of Performances or Ceremonies very respect-
fully, looking upon them as Rights justly due to the de
ceas’d.
Their Women are never accompanied with these Pomps
or Ceremonies after Death; and to what World they allot
that Sex, I could never learn, unless it be to wait on their
deceas’d Husbands, or to be metamorphosed into those
pretty and ugly Women in the other World or Country where
the Indian Men expect to go after death, which I have before
made mention of. Yet these Women have more Wit than
some of the Hastern Nations (as we are informed) who sacri-
fice themselves to accompany their Husbands in the other
World, which the former never do. It is the deceased Per-
son’s Relations by Blood, as his Sons, Daughters, Brothers,
Sisters,
of North Carolina. 387
Sisters, Uncles, Cousins, that mourn in earnest; the Wives
thinking their Duty discharged, and that they are become
free when their Husbands are Dead, all their Care being to
look out as fast as they can for another to supply his Place.
Thus I have given the most exact Account of the Indians
of Carolina Conjuring over the Sick, stolen Goods, and the
Nature and Manner of burying their dead. I shall therefore
make a small Degression, to inform my Readers with the
manner of our Travelling up to the Charokee Mountains,
having already set forth the many and different Observa-
tions we made in this spacious Country, and then proceed to
the Indian Distempers; some of which I have been Eye-
witness to.
The latter end of February, Anno. Dom. 1730, we set out
on our intended Journey, being in Number Ten White Men,
and Two Indians, who served for our Huntsmen and Inter-
preters. Having provided a sufficient quantity of Fvre-
Arms, Amunition, Horses, two Mariners Compasses, Rum,
Salt, Pepper, Indian Corn, and other Necessaries, we began
our Journey; and after we had past the Christian Planta-
tions, our Accommodations were as follows: All the Day we
were diverted with variety of beautiful and strange Objects;
in the Evening we encamped an Hour before Sunset, tyed our
Horses to Trees near us, which we made the Indians climb
up to procure a sufficient quantity of Moss for their Food,
and to make Beds for us to lie upon, which was generally
under the shade of some large Tree: Our next Business was
to send the Indians to Hunt; our Care in the meantime was
to make a large Fire of the broken pieces of Timber which
we found in plenty lying dispersed up and down the Woods;
Cee: this
388 The Natural History
this we piled up in order to continue burning all Night, which
prevented all manner of Wild Beasts and pernicious Insects
being troublesome, or approaching us or our Horses.
As soon as our Indians had discharged one or two shots,
and given us a signal of their Success by Hollowing, we im-
mediately dispatched some of our Party to their assistance,
to bring home the Game they had killed; for they seldom
return’d without more than a sufficient quantity of Venison,
wild Turkies, and other Game for the support of all our
Company, during our whole Journey. Being thus provided
with Provisions, our next business was to perform our Cook-
ery, which consisted chiefly in Roasting and Brozling, accord-
ing as each Person was disposed. When Supper was ready,
and a sufficient quantity of Indian Corn roasted, which we
made use of instead of Bread, we sat down upon the Ground,
and generally eat with a good Appetite, the Air being no
where better or purer than near the Mountains. In this man-
ner we supped each Night, our Kitchen Furniture being a
Wooden Spit, and our Table, Dishes and Trenchers the Barks
of Trees. Supper being ended, we made our Punch (the
Bowl being a large Gourd) which we distributed equally to
each Person a good Harmony being observed amongst us dur-
ing the whole Journey. At Night when our Company were
disposed to rest, we made our Beds of Moss near the fire,
where we slept comfortably, keeping a constant Watch by
turns every four Hours. Thus we enjoyed ourselves *till our
arrival at the Mountains, and what continually rendered our
Journey more agreeable was the beautiful Prospect of the
Country, being adorned with Woods, Savannas, spacious
Rivers, together with various kinds of Beasts, Birds, Fishes,
&e.
It would not be proper to trouble the Reader with the Ad-
ventures of each Day, and the many Observations we made
therein,
of North Carolina. 389
therein, these being sufficiently set forth already: Let it
suffice to inform them, that after fifteen Days Journey, we
arrived at the foot of the Mountains, having met with no
Human Specie all the way. It seems upon our first arival
we were discovered by a Party of the Lroquois Indians, who,
as I said before, are very powerful, and continually at War,
wandering all over the Continent betwixt the two Bays of
Mexico and St. Lawrence. As soon as they had discovered us
they disappeared, (as we were afterwards informed) and
gave Notice thereof to their King, who sent immediately an
Ambassador, or one of his Attendants, painted as red as Ver-
million, together with a strong Party of his Men, armed with
Bows and Arrows.
When they appeared the second time, the Retinue halted
at about half a Mile distant from us and the Ambassador
attended with one Person, came to the place where we were
(which was in a large Savanna) with a green Bough in his
Hand, and gave us to understand that he was sent to us by
Order of his King, who desired to know whether we came for
Peace or War, or what other Business had brought us to
those Parts; In such like Speeches he accosted us. We as-
~ sured him by our Indian Interpreters, that we were come in
a friendly manner, with no other Design than a Curiosity of
viewing the Mountains. When we had thus satisfied him he
sat down with us, and dispatched the other Person that
attended him, to acquaint the King with the Reasons of our
coming.
During his Absence, we entertained the Ambassador with
Punch, and made him a Present of some few Toys, which he
accepted of, and was highly pleased therewith. About four
Hours after the Messenger returned, whom the Ambassador
received at a little distance from us, where they discoursed for
some
390 The Natural History
some time, and at his return told us, that the Message from
the King was, to desire us to make him a Visit, assuring us
at the same time of his Friendship. This Message occasioned
several Debates to arise amongst us, concerning the conse-
quence that might attend it; we seemed unwilling to go,
which he perceiving, assured us in the strongest Terms of
our safety, and the Sincerity and Friendship of the King.
At length, rather than incur his Displeasure (notwithstand-
ing we were determined to sell our Lives at the dearest rate, if
we met with any opposition) we complied, and arrived about
six o’Clock at the Indian Town (attended with the Guards
that came with the Ambassador, who marched at some dis-
tance from us) and were conducted to the State House,
where the King was seated with his War Captains and Cown-
cellors, who got up and placed us next to him; after we had
paid our due acknowledgements to him, and made him some
Presents, he then began to enquire the Reasons of our com-
ing thither, and among other things, How his Brother did,
meaning the Governor; and many other such lke Speeches
passed between us. After we had satisfied him in each par-
ticular that he demanded, he bid us welcome, shaking Hands
with each of us; assuring us of his Friendship, and the great
Regard he had for those of our Nation. The few Presents
we gave (which were Knives, Glass Beads, Punch, and the
like) had made so favourable an Impression in the Breast of
his Majesty, and all his Councellors, in our behalf, that the
King’s Orders were issued out immediately, strictly charg-
ing all his Subjects to treat us in the most friendly manner,
and supply us with whatever we had occasion for during our
Pleasure to stay amongst them. After all these Speeches
were ended, towards Night we were dismissed, and conducted
to one of the King’s Houses (being an Apartment prepared
for
of North Carolina. 391
for us) where we lay upon Benches, with the Skins of Beasts
for our Covering; and this was the best Lodging we met
with since our departure from the Christians. They took
particular Care of our Horses, and treated us with all the
good Nature possibly to be expected from them, supplying
us with sufficient quantities of Provision, such as Venison,
Wildfowl, Fish, and various Kinds of dried Fruits,’ Pulse,
and Water, no stronger Liquors are to be met with amongst
these People.
The King’s Houses are partley in the Center of the Town,
the rest of the Buildings being erected in a confused Order,
no regular Streets, Shops, or even Handy-craft Trades, are
to be met with amongst them.
The news of our arrival brought prodigious Numbers of
Men and Women to us, as also Boys and Girls, who were
stark Naked; these would come and touch our Cloaths, and
view us with admiration, having I am satisfied, never had an
opportunity to behold any thing of this Nature before. The
King diverted us every Day with Men and Women Dancing,
shooting with Bows and Arrows, their Warlik Exercise, and
several other kinds of Diversions, wherein he imagined we
took any Pleasure. Finding our selves thus in favour with
the King, the first request we made was, that we might have ~
leave to see the Qutogozon, or Charnel House, which was the
largest of that Nature we had ever beheld: He easily com-
plied with our Request, but with a strict Charge, that we
should do no hurt, either to the Bones, or any other thing
that we should observe there.
Two Days after our Arrival, we requested the King to have
Liberty to depart, in order to view the Mountains, which
he seemed very unwilling to comply with, pressing us to con-
tinue longer with him, urging many Arguments to persuade
US ;
392 The Natural History
us; and that we had not as yet sufficiently refreshed ourselves
after our late Fatigue. But we assured him that our Gov-
ernor had given us strict Orders at our Departure, to be as
expeditious as possibly we could in our return home. These
Considerations at length moved him to a compliance sooner
than he intended. But the chief Reason of our departing so
soon was, that if we had remained there much longer, we
should be deprived of all our Rum, which was a great sup-
port to us in this long and tedious Journey. The King then
offered us a Party of his Men to guard us in the Mountains,
least we should be molested by any Indians that might be
Hunting in them, during our stay there. We most gratefully
returned him our due Acknowledgments for his kind offer,
and the many Favours he had already conferred upon us,
and most humbly beg’d to be excused, which he readily
granted us.
Having thus obtained our License of Departure, we made
him a Present of a Bottle of Rum, in lieu whereof he gave
us Indian Corn, Venison, and some dried Fruits, for our
support in the Mountains, where Provisions are scarce. All
things being prepared as usual, we set out the next Morning
about six o’Clock, continuing our Journey still Westward:
The King and his Guards conducted us about half a Mile,
wishing us Health, and intreating us at the same time, to
make him a Visit at our Return, which we did not, taking a
Tour another way.
About the Evening we approached to the top of one of
these Mountains, where we refreshed, being all in perfect
Health. Here we had the greatest difficulty to be supplied
with Moss for Provision for our Horses, but after some time
searching, we found what was sufficient for them; then mak-
ing a great Fire, and our Beds for that Night of the withered
Leaves
of North Carolina. 393
Leaves of the Trees, which we gathered for that Purpose.
The next Morning very early having refreshed ourselves, we
set forward, and in the Evening got on the other side of the
first Ridge of Mountains into a most beautiful Valley, adorn- ©
ed with Woods, Savannas, and a very rich Soil, here we en-
camped this Night, being the longest Days Journey we made
from our first setting out, by reason that we were destitute
of Water in these barren places, for our selves and Horses,
only what we met with by chance in the hollow parts of the
Rocks, which our Horses would hardly drink.
The next Morning we set forward with a great deal of
Chearfulness, having plenty of Water, and all manner of
Provisions. In this Days Journey we discovered an Indian
in the solitary parts of the Woods, but as soon as he espyed us,
he fled, notwithstanding we made signs to him to come to us,
but in vain, for he quickly vanished out of our sight, that we
could not learn what Nation he belonged to, or whether there
were any more with him in those Parts. After two Days
Journey we arrived at another Ridge of rocky Mountains,
with large Trees in several Places, but little or no Pasture
_like the former, but much higher, having a beautiful Pros-
pect of large Woods and Forrests, as far as our sight would
permit. From this Mountain we returned, making our Jour-
ney Eastward; meeting with nothing worthy of Observation,
but what we have already made mention of; and in thirty
two Days, to our great Satisfaction, arrived amongst the
Christians, our Company being all in perfect Health. having
had no Misfortune all the way, but the loss of one of our
Compasses.
As there are in this Country many poysonous Herbs and
Creatures, so the Indian People have excellent Skill in ap-
Ddd plying
394 The Natural History
plying effectual Antidotes to them; for Medicinal Herbs are
here found in great Plenty, the Woods and Savannas being
their Apothecary’s Shops, from whence they fetch Herbs,
_Leaves, Barks of Trees, with which they make all their
Medicines, and perform notable Cures; of which it may not
be amiss to give some Instances, because they seem strange,
if compared with our Method of curing Distempers. They
have a certain Method in poysoning their Arrows, and they
will temper them so as to work slow or swift as they please;
they can make it so strong, that no Art can save the Person
or Beast that is wounded with them, except it be by their
Kings and Conjurers, their young Men being ignorant of it.
They use Sweating very much, especially if violent Pains
seize the Limbs, or any other part of the Body, which is
performed: by certain Vegetables which they are well ac-
quainted with; for as soon as they are afflicted with these
kind of Disorders, they take Reeds or small Wands and bend
them, with these they make little Huts, covering them with
Deer Skins, Blankets, or their Matchcoats, and the like; they
have other Sweating Houses built in shape like large Ovens;
they have Fires made not far from these Sweating Houses,
wherein they heat Stones, or (where these are wanting) the
Bark of Trees, putting them into these Stones, which oceca-
sion an extraordinary Heat, by the help of which, and the
Herbs which are boiled in a Pot, they sweat very plentifully.
They likewise use Bathing often in the Waters for the like
Disorders.
They never miss curing most kinds of Cutaneous Hrup-
tions by the Plants that are produced in this Country: They
infallibly cure Scald Heads, which they chiefly perform with
Oil of Acorns, but from which Oak I never could be rightly
informed, they being very secret in what they know. They
cure
of North Carolina. 395
cure Burns beyond Credit; I have seen of these Wretches
burnt in their Drunkenness after such a miserable man-
ner, that in all Appearance they could not live; yet I have
seen them cured in a very short time, contrary to all expecta-
tion; that they have been capable of going abroad in ten or
twelve Days. I have known others to be miserably burnt
with Gun Powder, which they have cured in a short time;
but by what Ingredients they perform these speedy and won-
derful Cures is known to none but themselves. They seldom
or never make known any Secrets of this Nature to the
Europeans, but are very ready to serve them upon such Occa-
sions, if required, for a small Gratuity.
What is worthy of Observation is, that amongst all these
Indians there are no running inveterate Ulcers to be met
with, neither do their Wounds turn to a Gangrene, and they
are very expert in healing all manner of green Wounds and
Dislocations, which they perform so speedily, that I dare
boldly say, that they are the greatest Artists in these kind of
Performances of any People in the known World.
There was a Planter in North Carolina who had a griev-
ous Ulcer in his Leg for many Years, which was deemed
- incurable by all those that beheld it; and many attempts
were made by the best Christian Artists in that Country to
perfect the Cure, but all to no purpose, for his Leg still grew
worse and worse; at last he was prevailed upon to apply
himself to one of those Indian Doctors, who performed the
Cure in a very short time for the value of three Shillings
Sterling, though it had cost him above one hundred Pounds
before to little or no Purpose.
The Indian Doctor performed this Cure after the follow-
ing manner; first he made a strong Decoction of the Bark of
Ddd: the
396 The Natural History
the Root of Sassafras, in which he bathed the Patients Leg
very well, then he took the rotten Grains of the Mazz, or
Indian Corn, well dried and beaten to Powder, and the soft
Down that grows upon the 7'urkeys Rump, with this he
quickly dried up the filthy Ulcer, and made a perfect Cure,
of what was thought incurable, to the great Joy and satis-
faction of the Planter, who had so long laboured under it.
This I had affirmed to me by the Planter himself, and several
others that were Kye-witnesses to the whole Affair.
The Pox is to be met with amongst some Nations of these
Indians, being as it is Reported communicated to them by
the Huropeans, it being a Distemper intirely unknown to
them before their Arrival. By this Disorder, some of them
have lost their Noses, and particularly one of their great-
est Conjurers, whom I have seen and conversed with; but
whether or no this Distemper was known to them before the
Christians came amongst them, I will not take upon me to
decide it, being in no way material to my present Design,
which is only to satisfie my Readers with the Advantages
and Disadvantages that are to be met with in this Spacious
part of the World.
These Savages of late cure this Distemper with certain
Berries (that grow in this Province) which Salivate like
Mercury, notwithstanding they use Sweating and strong De-
coctions with it, as they do almost upon every Occasion, and
when they are in the greatest Extreamity of Heat, leap into
the Rivers or Ponds of Water, by which Practice many have
lost their Lives, yet at present it is not sufficient to deter
them from this kind of Practice.
The Yaws, is a Venerial Disorder (as I said before) in
all respects like the Pow, only it is not attended with a Gonor-
rhea
of North Carolina. 397
rhea in the beginning, but having all the other Symptoms
that attend that Disorder, such as Cutaneous Hruptions,
Nocturnal Pains, &. This Distemper of late has been com-
municated to the Indians by the Christian Traders, and
though it is not very common amongst them, yet some few
have lost their Noses by it, and others are become most miser-
able Spectacles by neglecting it’s Cure; at last they make a
shift to cure or patch themselves up, and live for many
Years after; such Men commonly turn Doctors amongst
them, and some of these No-Nose Doctors are in very great
Esteem amongst them. The Juice of the Tulip Tree is used
by the Indians as a proper Remedy for this Distemper.
The Small Pox proved very fatal amongst them in the late
War with the Christians, few or none ever escaping Death
that were seized with it. This Distemper was intirely un-
known to them before the arrival of the Hwropeans amongst
them. Their Method in this, as in all other Fevers, is to run
directly into the Water in the extremity of the Disease,
which strikes it in and kills most that use that Method.
They use Scarification in most Distempers; their chief
Instruments are the Teeth of the Rattle-Snake, which they
" poyson with upon occasion. They take out the Teeth of the
Snake, and suck out the Venome with their Mouth, which
they spit on the Ground, and receive no damage thereby; it
is of a greenish Colour, as I have frequently observed. These
Teeth they keep for the uses above-mentioned, having no No-
tion of Lancets, or other Instrument proper in those Opera-
tions.
The Spleen is a common Distemper with the Indians in
this Province, which they cure by burning on the Belly with
a Reed or Hollow Cane, after the following manner: They
take the Cane and put the End into the Fire where they burn
it
398 The Natural History
it ’till it is red hot, then they lay the Patient on his Back,
and place a piece of thin Leather on his Belly, between the
Pit of the Stomach and the Navel, so press the hot Reed on
the Leather, which burns the Patient to that degree, that
they ever after have the Impression of the Reed wherever it
was laid: This Method is sometimes used amongst them for
the Belly Ach.
The Plague was never known amongst the Indians that I
could ever learn; yet the Small Pox, their continual Wars
with each other, their poysoning, and several other Distem-
pers and Methods amongst them, and particularly their
drinking Rum to excess, have made such great destruction
amongst them, that I am well informed, that there is not
the tenth Jndian in number, to what there was sixty Years
ago.
They have a kind of Rheumatism, which generally aftlicts
their Legs with grievous Pains, and violent Heats; whilst
they are thus tortured, they employ the young People contin-
ually to power cold Water upon the part aggrived, ’till such
time as the Pains are abated, and they become perfectly
easy, using no other Method for this kind of Disorder.
They are never troubled with the Scurvy, neither are they
afflicted with the Dropsy, Diabetes, Gout, Stone, Pthisick,
Consumption, Asthma, or Palsie, which Distempers are too
well known amongst us, and: frequently attended with most
fatal Consequences. Neither is the Strwma to be met with
amongst them, and many other Huropean Distempers too
tedious to name.
They have several Remedies which they use for the Tooth-
ach, which frequently carries off the Pain; but if all their
Endeavours should fail, they have recourse to punching out
the Tooth, which is done with a small Cane placed against it,
on
of North Carolina. 399
on a bit of Leather, then they strike the Reed and push out
the Tooth, this they perform with a great deal of Dexterity,
and never endanger the Jaw, which other Instruments are
apt to do.
They seldom make use of Amputation, except it be to the
Captives that they take in War, when they cut off the Feet,
which I have mentioned in another Place. But in any im-
moderate defluctions of Blood, or any other Humour from
any part of the Body, they are never at a loss for a speedy
Cure.
I never observed any of them to practice Anatomy, neither _
do I believe that they have any Knowledge therein, unless as
I observed before, that they make Skelitons of their Kings
and great Men’s Bones. They can colour the Hair Black,
though of a Reddish Colour, or any other Colour, which they
do with a certain Seed or a Plant that grows in their Planta-
tions. They make use of no Minerals in Physick, and very
little of Animals, but chiefly depend on Vegetables, for all
Disorders amongst them. They are well acquainted with
the Spontaneous Plants that are produced in these Parts of
the World; and a Flux of Blood'seldom or never follows any
of their Operations.
They are scarce ever known to make use of any Gums or
Rosins in their Physick; as for Catharticks and Hmeticks,
so much in fashion in Hurope, they do not esteem or make
use of, unless it be immoderate Drinking such vast quanti-
ties of their Yaupan Tea, and vomiting it up again, this they
continue every Morning, or oftner, where they can have this
Plant, from which they receive great Benefit, not only in dis-
charging and cleansing the Stomach from the peccant Hu-
mours there lodged, but likewise by its great Dviuretick
quality which carries off those Humours by the Ureters, that
might
400 The Natural History
might be prejudicial to their Health, and occasion Fevers,
Agues, and many other Distempers, which they are not so
subject to as the Huropeans; which I am satisfied is owing
in a great measure to their constant use of this Plant, which
takes away both Hunger and Thirst for four and twenty
Hours.
There is no Plant in these Parts in greater Veneration
and Esteem amongst them than this is, and they frequently
carry it to the Westward Indians, who give Deer Skins, and
other Necessaries they want for it. They take the Leaves
and small ‘Twigs, bruise them in Wooden Mortars, ’till they
become of a blackish Colour, and wholly defaced: Then they
take and put them into Earthen Pots, over the Fire, till they
Smoak, stirring them all the time ’till they are cured: Oth-
ers take them thus bruised, and put them into Earthen Bowls,
under which they put live Coals and cover them with You-
pan Leaves, ’till they have done Smoaking, often turning
them over, then they spread them on Mats and dry them in
the Sun or Shade for use.
They commonly in most of their Disorders make use of
the Juices of Plants, not out of any Foppery or Fashion, as
many Huropeans and other Nations are often fond of, but
purely to relieve and free Nature of the Oppression and
Burthen that she labours under.
They neither use Unguents or Fats in any external Appli-
cation for Wounds or Ulcers, but they sometimes use the Fat
of Animals to render their Limbs more pliable, and when
they are weary to relieve the Joints.
The Bark of the Root of the Sassafrass Tree is very much
used by them, which they generally Torrefy in the Embers,
and strip off the Bark from the Root, beating it into a Paste,
or a Consistance fit to spread, so apply it to the grieved
parts,
of North Carolina. | 401
parts, which not only cleanses a fowl Ulcer, but after Scarifi-
eation, being applied to the Contusion or Swelling, carries
off the Pain, and asswages the Tumor. Yet these People in
general are very careless and negligent of their Health.
In some Places these Savages Boyl and Roast their Meat
extraordinary well, and eat abundance of Broath except those
Savages whom we call the Naked Indians, who never make
use of any Soup. These travel from the Banks of the Mes-
sisippi to War against the Sinagars or Iroquois Indians,
and are commonly too hard for them except they are over
power’d by unequal Numbers. These naked Indians will
lye and sleep in the Woods without any Fire or covering,
being inur’d thereto from their Infancy. They are the most
hardy of all Indians that are known, and run so fast that
they are never taken by any other Indians that pursue them.
Their Enemies say that their Nimbleness and long Wind
proceeds from their never making use of any Broath.
The Salts that the Indians in these parts make use of in
their Meat, Bread, and Soup, to give them a grateful relish
are Alkalies, viz, Ashes made of the Wood of Hickery and
-ealcin’d Bones of Deers and other Animals. They never
eat any Sallads, and as for Pepper, and Mustard, they imag-
ine us to be no better than Madmen to make use of them at
our Victuals.
The Vessels that our Neighbouring Indians make use of
and most other Nations are, Earthen-Pots of several sizes.
Their Dishes and Wooden Platters are made of the sweet
Gum Tree, Poplar, Sycomore, and the like.
Thus I have releated their manner in curing several Dis-
tempers; I shall now only mention one strange Account more,
which was attested by the Planter himself, and several other
credible Persons in those Parts.
26 ‘ Eee There
402 The Natural History
There was an honest and substantial Planter in those
Parts who was afflicted with a strange and lingering distem-
per, not usual amongst the Christians, under which he ema-
ciated and grew every Month worse and worse; this Disorder
continued for some Years, during which time he had made
use of the best and ablest Doctors and Surgeons in those
parts, but all to no purpose, for the Disorder still persever’d.
In the beginning of this Distemper the Patient was very
wealthy, and had several Slaves which he was obliged to sell
to satisfie the Doctors. But one Day it happen’d, as he and
his Wife were comiserating his miserable Condition, and
that in all appearance he could not expect to recover, and
that Death must speedily put a period to his Days, and then
in what misery he should leave his poor Wife and Family,
since all his Negroes were already gone and dispos’d off.
Whilst he and his Wife were thus debating the Misfortunes
that in all probability might attend the Family after his
Death. An Indian happen’d to come into the House, who
was well acquainted in the Family, and hearing their Dis-
course (and having a very great regard and value for the
Sick-man from whom he received many Favours) made this
Reply to what he had heard them talk off, Brother, you have
had a long fit of sickness, you have given away your Slaves
to the English Doctors, what made you do so, and now be-
come Poor? They do not know how to cure you, for it is an
Indian Distemper that troubles you, and they know not the
Nature of it. If it had been a Distemper known in their
Country, probably they cou’d have cured you. But had you
employ’d me at first, I coud have cur’d you for a small mat-
ter without taking your Slaves from you that provided Corn
and other Necessaries for you, and your Family’s support.
And yet if you will give me a Blanket to keep me warm and
some
of North Carolina. 403
some Powder and Shot, to kill Deer with, I will do my best
still to recover your Health.
The Poor-man being very much dejected with the Mis-
fortunes that he had already met with, made the Indian this
reply. I know my Distemper is now past the power of Man
to cure, and if our English Doctor’s cou’d not cure it, 1 am
throughly perswaded that the Indians cannot.
But his Wife accosted him in the most endearing and
mild terms and told him, he did not know but God might be
pleas’d to give a greater blessing to the Indians undertaking
than he had done to the Hnglish, and likewise said, if it
shou’d please God that you shou’d dye, I cannot be much
more miserable by giving that small trifle to the Indian
which he demands. Therefore I beg of you to take my ad-
vice and try him.
At length by the many perswasions and Importunities of
his Wife and Family he consented. And when the bargain
was concluded, the Zndian went into the Woods and brought
with him several kinds of Roots and Herbs, whereof he made
a strong Decoction and gave it to the Patient to drink, and
- immediately orderd him to go to Bed, adding that it would
not be long before he wou’d return again to visit him. The
Patient punctually perform’d every thing as he was ordered
by the Jndian, and had not been long in Bed before the Po-
tion that was administer’d made him Sweat after the most
violent manner that could be, and during its operation he
smell’d so offensively to himself and all those that were near
him, that scarce any one cou’d bear to go into the House or
Room where he lay.
Late in the Evening the Indian comes to visit the Patient
with a great Rattle-Snake alive (which terrified the Family
almost ‘out of their Senses) and told the Sick-man that he
must
404 The Natural History
must take it to Bed with him, at which the Patient was in
the greatest consternation in the World, and told the Indian ©
that he might as well dye of the Distemper he had, as to be
kil’d with the Bite of the Rattle-Snake. To which the
Indian reply’d he cou’d not bite him nor do him any harm,
for he had already taken our his Poyson and Teeth, and
shewed him by opening and putting his Finger into the
Snakes Mouth, that they all were gone. At last by many
perswasions and Intreaties of all that were present, he ad-
mitted of the Snakes company, which the Indian put about
the Patients middle and order’d no Body to take it away, or
even to meddle with it upon any account, which was strictly
observ’d, altho’ the Snake girded him as hard for a great
while as if he had been drawn in by a Belt. At last he
found the pressure grow weaker and weaker, till by degrees
he felt it not; and opening the Bed the Snake was found
dead, and the Patient thought himself grown much better.
The Indian returned the next Morning to visit his Patient,
and finding the Snake dead, was very much transported, and
told the Sick-man the distemper was dead along with the
Snake, which proved as he said, for the Man very speed-
ily afterwards recover’d his Health, and became perfect well,
and lived for many years after this strange and wonderful
Cure.
And what is remarkable in many parts of this Province
as you travel up towards the Mountains and through the
Woods, when ever you come to any places where the Indians
formerly dwelt and had Towns, you shall find abundance of
Flowers with variety of beautiful Colours, of several sorts,
and divers Qualities, and Use; some being Physical others
Poysonous, others for Ornament and sweet Odor, which at a
distance have a fine prospect, and look like a beautiful
Flower Garden, the uses whereof the Indians are well ac-
quainted
of North Carolina. 405
quainted with. I am perswaded that the reason why they
took all these pains in planting these Simples was owing to
their Doctor’s Care, that upon all Occasions they might be
provided with those Vegetables that were proper for the
Indian Distempers, or any other use they might have occa-
sion to make of them.
These Savages have one of the most diabolical Customs
amongst them, that is to be met with in any part of the known
World, which they call Husquenawing their young Men and
Girls. Once a Year, or at farthest, once in two years, these
Savages take up so many of them as they think are able to
undergo this rigid Discipline, and Husquenaugh them, which
they say is make them obedient and respective to their Supe-
rours and inures them to all manner of Fatigues and Hard-
ships, and without it they never wou’d be fit to be their
War-Captains, or Capable to act in their Councils; by this
Method they say their Children have the same benefit as the
European Children have at their Schools, where they are
taught good breeding and Letters. Besides it carries off
those Weak and Infirm Bodies that wou’d have been a Bur-
then and disgrace to their Nation.
This House of Correction, or where they undergo this
rigid Discipline, is a large strong Cabin, made on purpose
for the reception of these young Men and Girles that have not
already pass’d these Graduations. The Season of the Year
wherein they Husquenaugh their youth is always about
Christmas, at this time they are brought into this House,
which is made as dark as any Dungeon, and almost starved
during the time they remain there. Besides they give them
Pellitory, and several intoxicating Plants that make them go
raving Mad, they make the most dismal and hidious cries
and howlings that human Creatures are capable of express-
ing, all which continues about five or six Weeks, and the
little
406 The Natural History
little Meat they are allowed to eat is the nastiest loathsome
stuff imaginable. After the time is expired they are brought
out of the Cabin, which is not in the Town, but at some dis-
tance from it, and is guarded by an Jndian or two, nominated
for that purpose, who Watch by turns. When they appear
or first come abroad, they are as poor and Meager as it is
possible for any Creatures to be, resembling rather Skeletons
than living Men; several of them dying under this Diaboli-
cal discipline. Moreover they either really are or pretend to
be Dumb, and do not spake for a Month after they are out of
their Confinement. It is likewise said that after this Disci-
pline is over, they have intirely forgot all the Actions of
their past Lives.
These Savages are described in their proper Colours but
by very few, for those that generally write Histories of this
New World are such as Interest, Preferment, or Merchan-
dize draw thither, who know no more of the People or Coun-
try, than I do of the Laplanders. If we will make just Re-
marks, how near such Relations approach Truth, we shall find
few worthy of Entertainment, and many parts of their Works
stuft with Invectives against the Government they liv’d un-
der, on which Stage is commonly acted greater Barbarities in
murdering worthy Men’s Reputations, than all the Savages
of the New World are capable of equalizing, or even imitating.
These Authors likewise pretend to various and strange ac-
counts, about them, but their Relations seem much fitter to
fill a Novel than a History. I must therefore beg leave of the
Gay Part of the World, who seem infinitely pleased with such
Relations in not gratifying them with the Particulars, which
they themselves will give less Credit to every Day as their
Judgment ripens.
Lastly,
of North Carolina.
407
Lastly, I shall mention some few Words of the Indian Lan-
guage, together with the Hnglish, and so conclude this
Treatise.
English.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Six.
Seven.
Eight.
Nine.
Ten.
A Blanket.
A Coat.
English-
man.
The Fire.
A Gun.
A Hat.
Indians.
A Knife.
Rum.
Shot.
Tobacco.
A Wife.
Tuskeruro Pamticoe Woccon
Indians. Indians. Indians.
Unche. Weembot. Tone.
Necte. Neshin-nauh. | Numperre.
Ohs-sah. Nish-woner. Nam-mee.
Untoe. Yau Ooner. Punnum-punne.
Ouch-whe. Umperren. Webstau.
Hone-yoc. Whoyeoe. Is-sto.
Chauh-noc. Top-po-osh. Nominis-sau.
Nec-kara. Nau-haush-shoo.| Nupsau.
Wearah. Pack-wc-conk. | Wethere.
Wartsauh. Cosh. Soone-noponne.
Oorewa. Mattosh. Roowune.
Kawhitchra | Taus-won. Rummissau.
Nickrerurouh. | Tosh-shonte. Wintsohore.
Utchar. Tinda. Yau.
Auk-noc. Gau-hooptop. | Wittape.
T'rossa. Mottau-quahun.| Intome-posswa.
Unqua. Nuppwn. Yau-he.
Oosocke-nauh. | Rig-cosque. Wee.
Onaquod Weesaccon. Yup-se.
Cauna. Ar-rounser. Week.
Charho. Hooh-pau. Vu-coone.
Kateoca. Squaba. Yecau-au.
408 The Natural History of North Carolina.
To enlarge any more upon this Indian Jargon, would be
altogether needless, and troublesome to the Reader; they
have such a strange way of abbreviating their Speech when
they are Debating in their grand Councils, that the young
Men do not understand what they say or treat of. It is to be
admir’d, what hath occasioned so many different Speeches as
they have; for the three Nations whose Languages I have now
mentioned, are but a small distance from each other. These
Differences in their Speech frequently occasion Jealousies
and Fears amongst them, and are often the Motives of their
continual Wars with each other; and were it not for these
continual Feuds and Animosities amongst themselves, they
would be as happy a People, as to this Life, as any upon the
Earth.
DNS
INDEX.
[The author of this Index is not known. It was not printed with
the book, but is a manuscript inserted in the copy of the history
from which this reprint is made.]
Bat a2) 19%)
Bear, 110.
Beaver, 121.
Buffalo, 107.
Cat, mountain, 116.
wild, 117.
Deer, 109.
Elk, 108.
Foxes, 124.
Goat, 55.
Hare, 126.
Hogs, 55.
Horses, 53.
Jackall, 110.
Lion, 110.
Mice, 131.
Alligator, 133.
Frog, 140.
Lizard, 141.
. Tortoise, 137.
Ant, 158.
Bees, 154.
Beetle, Horned, 163.
Bots, 109, 127.
Bugs, 161.-
Butterflies, 155.
Cantharides, 158.
Caterpillar, 167.
Cockroach, 161.
Crickets, 157.
Harwigs, 159.
Flea, 165.
Flies, 160.
fire, 157.
gad, 160.
sand, 164.
ANIMALS.
Minx, 118.
Mole, 130.
Opossum, 124, 125.
Otters, 122.
Panther, 115.
Polecat, 118.
Rabit, 127.
Racoon, 123.
Rat, 129.
Sheep, 54.
Squirrel, 127.
Stags, 109.
Tiger, 114.
Weesel, 129.
Wolf, 119.
REPTILES.
Tarapin, 138.
Snakes, 142, 151, 397.
Vipers, 149.
INSECTS.
Grasshoppers, 155.
Hornets, 164.
Lice, beetle, 162.
hog or sow, 156.
Lice, 165.
Ladybird, 158.
Locust, 166.
Moth, 160.
Musquetos, 162.
Scolopenda or gally worm, 167.
Snail, 169.
Sows or hog lice, 156.
Spider, 159.
Teredines or water woodworms,
169.
Tick, 165.
410 Index.
Tumbleturd, 161.
Wasps, 164.
Weavil, 160.
Worms, earth, 169.
gally or scolopenda, 167.
glow, 168.
silk, 155.
tobacco, 168.
woodland, 168.
water or Teredines, 169.
BIRDS.
Baltimore bird, 196.
Barnacles, 203.
Barnets, gray, 203.
Bitterns, 200.
Black flusterers, 209.
Bluebird, 194.
wings, 208.
Brants, white, 204.
Bullfinch, 194.
Bull necks, 207.
Buzzard, turkey, 174.
Baldfaces or white faces, 210.
Cat bird, 189.
Coot, bald, 209.
ware or water witch, 210.
Cormorants, 211.
Crane, 201.
Crow, 181.
Cuckoo of Carolina, 179.
Curlew, 184.
grey or seapye, 184.
Dipper or Fisher, 209.
Divers, 208.
Duck, 206.
Eagles, 171.
Falcon, 176.
Fieldfare, 191.
Fisher or Dipper, 209.
Fisherman, 208.
Gannet, 212.
Geese, wild, 2038.
Goldfinch, 196.
Gull or seamew, 205.
grey, 204, 205.
pied, 204.
Hawke 275; lane
Musqueto, 168, 196.
Hens, marsh, 200.
water, or Blue Peter, 200.
Herons, 200.
Hobbies, 177.
Hoopers, 202.
Humming, 199.
Jackdaw, 180.
Jay, 192.
Kill Dear, 192.
Kingsfisher, 210.
Kites, 175.
Lapwing or green plover, 184.
Lark, 193.
Bunting, 193.
Magpye, 180.
Mallard, 206.
Merlin, 177.
Mocking, 189.
Moorhen, 187.
Nightengale, 194.
Old-Wives, 205, 209.
Owls, 177.
Parokeets, 179.
Partridges, 185.
Peter blue or water hen, 200.
Pelican, 211.
Pheasant, water, 207.
Pheasant, 183.
Pigeons, wild, 186, 363.
Plover, grey or whistling, 185.
green or lapwing, 184.
Plover, whistling or grey, 185.
Poultry, 55.
Raft foul, 208.
Rail, 180.
Raven, 180.
Redbird, 190.
Index.
411
Redhead, 208.
Rook, 180.
Runner, 193.
Sandbird, 193.
Sea cob, 205.
cock, 205.
mew or gull, pye or
curlew, 204, 205.
Shag, 212.
Shear-Water, 212.
Shell drakes, 207.
Shovellers, 207.
Snipe, 183.
Snowbird, 195.
Sparrow, 194.
Storks, 201.
Swallows, 196.
Swans, 202.
Swaddle bills, 208.
grey
Throstles, 192.
Thrushes, 191.
Titmouse or Tomtit, 195.
Tomtit or Titmouse, 195.
Tropic bird, 205.
Turkey, 181.
Turtle doves, 186.
Tutcock, 184.
Water witch or ware Coot, 210.
Weets, 196.
Whipporwill, 192.
White faces or bald faces, 210.
Wigeons, 209.
Will Willet, 184.
Woodcocke, 183.
Wood pecker, 187.
Wren, 198.
Yellow wings, 195.
FISHES.
Barbots, 242.
Bass or rockfish, 230.
Bottlenoses, 221.
Bonetoes, 228.
Carp, 240.
Carvels or Sea Nettle, 248.
Cavallies, 228.
. .Cockles, 243.
Conch, 244.
Conger, 232.
Crabs, 245.
Crocus, 234.
Dace, 240.
Dolphin, 226.
Hels, 233.
Fatbacks, 231.
Fiddlers, 246.
Fish, angel, 229.
blue, 228.
eat, 241.
craw, 249.
devil, 224.
dog, 227.
Drum, 229.
Fish, Finger, 248.
flying, 227.
fountain, 242.
gaurd, 231.
Pilot, 225.
rock or Bass, 230.
saw or sword, 223.
sucking, 241.
Sun, 233.
Sword or saw, 223.
toad or sea urchin, 234.
Flatings, 247.
Flounders, 240.
Grampus, 221,
Grindell, 241.
Gudgeons, 238.
Herring hogs or porpoise, 222.
Herrings, 235.
Jack or Pike or Pickrell, 288, 245.
Lamprey, 233.
Loche, 241.
Mackarel, Spanish, 227.
Man of noses, 247.
Mullet, 230.
412
Index.
Muscles, 244, 249.
Oldwives, 241.
Oysters, 242.
trees, 243.
Perch, 239.
Periwinkle, 247.
Pickerell or Pike or Jack, 238, 245.
Pike or Jack, 2388, 245.
Plaice, 2380.
Porpoise or Sea Hog, 222,
or herring hog, 222.
Roach, 240.
Runner, 246.
Sea Bream, 235.
hogs or porpoise, 235.
nettle or Carvels, 248.
urchin or toadfish, 2384.
Shad, 231.
Shallops, 247.
Shark, 224.
Shrimps, 248.
Sheepshead, 230.
Skaite, 2382.
Snailhorn, 247.
Smelts, 235.
Soldier, 247.
Soles, 231.
Sturgeon, 236.
Taylor, 2385.
Tench, Sea, 234.
Thornback, 232.
Thrashers, 228.
Trout, 238.
Salt Water, 234.
Whales, 215, 245.
louse, 245.
Wilks, 247.
VEGETABLES.
Alder, 72.
Allspice or Pomento, 88.
Apples, 98.
Apricot, 102.
Arrowwood, 85.
Ascopo, 73.
Ash, 65.
Prickly, 85.
Aspen, 65.
Barley, 15.
Bamboo, small, 96.
Barberry, 106.
Bay, 73.
Tulip, 73.
Bead, 105.
Beech, 66, 68.
Buck, 66.
Bindweed, prickly
rilla, 96.
Bireh, 72.
Bilberries, 88.
Blackberry, 90.
Briar rose, 90.
Cassena or Indian tea tree, 87.
or sarsapa-
Cedar, red, 68.
white, 64. a
Cherries, 77 103.
Chesnut, 69.
Chinquapin, 75.
Cotton plant, 58.
Currant, 105.
April, 89.
Bermuda, 89.
Winter, 89.
Cypress, 62.
Damson, 78, 103.
Dewberry, 91.
Dogwood, 79.
Him, 66.
Fig, 78, 104.
Filbert, 104.
Gall berry, 85.
Gooseberry, 105.
Grain, 14, 15.
Grass.
Gum, black, 70, 371.
sweet, 70.
white, 70.
Index.
Hawthorn or Whitethorn, TS.
Hazelnut, 80.
Herbs, pot, 19, 20.
physical, 20.
Hiccory, 68.
Hip, 90.
Holly, 75.
Honey locust, 71.
suckle, or Woodbine, 91.
Hornbeam, 74.
Huckleberries, 88.
Jamestown weed, 21.
Jassmine, yellow, 91.
Indian corn, 15, 16.
nut, 82.
fig tree or prickly pear,
23, 96.
tea tree or yaupan or cas-
sena, 87.
Indigo, 82.
Ipecacuana, 21.
Ivy, 96.
Laurel, 73.
Locust, «1.
Maple, 74.
May apple, 23.
Medlar, 102.
‘Millet, 16.
Misletoe, 23, 86.
Mulberry, 67.
Myrtle, 81.
Nectarines, 102.
Oak, black, 60.
Chesnut, 59.
fresh water, 61.
live, 61.
red, 60.
ring or white iron, 60.
Spanish Bastard, 60.
turkey, 61.
white iron, 60.
scaly bark, 60.
willow, 89.
Orange, 105.
413
Palmetto, 83.
Papaw, 80.
Peach, 100, 101.
Pear, 99.
prickly, or Indian fig tree,
238, 96.
Pellitory, 23, 81.
Persimmon, 74.
Pomento or All spice, 88.
Pine.
almond, 63.
dwarf, 63.
pitch, 62.
white, 63.
yellow, 63.
Plum, 77, 78, 103.
Poke, 19.
Privet, 85.
Pulse, 16.
Quine, 100.
Rasberry, 90.
Red bud, 80.
Reeds, 84.
Rice, 15.
Rose, 106.
Rosemary, 106.
Rye, 15.
Sallads, 18.
Sarsaparilla or prickly bindweed,
96.
Savine, 86.
Sassafras, 76.
Scamony, 21.
Service, 71.
Sloe or Blkthorn, 79.
Sorrell or Sourwood, 81.
Sourwood or Sorrell, 81.
Strawberry, 91.
Sugar, 79.
Sumach, 82.
Sycamore, 65.
Thorn, black, or Sloe, 79.
white or Hawthorn, 78.
Tobacco, 280, 287.
414
Tulip tree, 64.
Vines, 92.
Walnut, 69, 102.
Wheat, 14, 16.
Willow, 76.
Woodbine, or Honey suckle, 91.
Yaupan or Cassena or Indian tea
Index.
Vegetables, 14 to 24, 55, 57, to
107.
Plants, 11.
degenerate, 18.
roots, 18.
are larger, 57.
Grass burn, 10, 138.
grapes which skin, 938.
fertility, 13, 14, 51.
buck, 16.
guinea, 16.
tree, 87. bear in 3 years, 100.
NORTH CAROLINA.
I. Climate, 24 to 26, 255. N. Car., situation, 1.
1h
Tie
III.
IV.
Savannas, 10, 11.
Swamps, 12, 13.
Perkosons, 12, 13.
land, 11, 18.
42.
Cave in, 50.
Rivers, 5, 42.
little current in, 7.
history, 27.
towns, 8.
settlement of, 9.
beggars, none, 30.
emigrants, 267.
overseers, 268.
Negroes, 272, 12, 13, 14, 29, ~£1,
254, 255, 258.
Inlets, 2. labor of 2 days support, 7,269.
Capes, 4. Ge
springs, mineral, 44, 264. ee
} Currency, 46.
food of, 12. 69. 31.
winter food, 10. 78, 260.
manners, 51. 85, 39, 265.
join in defence, 51. 93, 256.
taming of horses, 53. T 121 in Negroes, 272.
tiger, 115. A 35.
. Timber, 59. ® 28.
. 44, 359, 360. b. 28.
stone for mills, 268. A. 29, 257.
eat articles, 43, 252.
oa: Injured by laws, 266.
SONS aI h, 48.
r. 37, 208. manufacturers.
u. 38. > 254, 263.
spirits, 100. toll of mills, 264.
k. 39. VIL hehe 262!
a
“VIL. 38, 254.
113, 41, 44, 46, 253.
Travelling, 387.
VIi. K. hunters entice brants by
burning the grass, 204.
Car. Curcy., 46.
uthor left N. Car. about 1730,
108.
‘French more attentive to knowl-
edge than the English, 213.
> r Black Alder, 72; Gall-
berry, 85; Vine, 95.
r Lime from Oyster
2438.
v Treacle Beer, 38.
To dress Congers Hel, 232.
To take away the fishy taste
of Ducks, 208.
To make Tar, 265.
Turpentine, 265.
a em
~— 4-3
Shells,
}
415
To make Pitch, 266.
Rosin, 267.
To destroy Caterpillars, 167.
Fleas, 165.
Hornets, 164.
Ticks, 166.
Wasps, 164.
Weevils, 161.
To cure burns, 21, 22.
Fevers, star grass, 22.
Inflammations, 21, 22.
Prickley Heat, 49.
Ring worms, 50.
Sore Mouth, 22.
Stone and Gravel, 253.
Thrush, 22.
Waspbite, 164.
Yaws, 48.
described, 48.
The medicinal qualities of Vegetables and Animals are stated under
pach individual.
PECULIARITIES.
‘Bears, coition, 129.
possum, penis, 125.
‘Weesil, coition, 129.
grasshoppers, do., 156.
Coots ware only down, no feath-
ers, 210.
artridges libidinous; will seem
to couple with their own image
in a glass, 185.
Redbird loves its image in a glass.
| Confinement is sd to make
them white and stupid, 191.
Snipes the only wild bird same
as Europeans, 183.
swallows (Martens) a warlike
bird, 198.
siwans not the black piece of
horny flesh, down head and
bill, as those in Europe, 203.
-
Turkies retain wild habits wn
mix wth tame, 182.
Dolphins sport before
226.
storms,
Fish unwholesome, why, 229.
guard upper jaw moves as
Alligator bones ; wn
dressed are green, 232.
Flounders, best have red spots,
230.
Plaice, do. black spots, 230.
Porpess before storms approach
shore, 223.
Roach very healthy fish, hence
as sound as a roach. °
Whales before storms beat the
water about with their tales,
219.
416
Vis
. They had, 17,
Index.
INDIANS.
have not, 18, 288.
dogs, 332.
Oyster shells, 289.
280.
Indian nut, 83.
Tohacco, 287, 367.
Metals, 359.
h 1, 385.
I. travelling, 345, 355, 356.
Kk. hunting, 340, 345, 351.
K. 285, 325, 328, 383, 335.
M. 278, 312, 315, 333.
N. more decent since Euro-
peans there, 313.
N. before war, 315.
N. 284, 312, 313, 314, 315.
ON21%)\ 2825) 28%) 294:
104, 280.
2038, 278.
hairs | 2S, 280), 2938.
58, 282.
pileseoon
290.
301, 202, 290.
W284, 290 S11 825) 1829:
Yaupan tea, 39, 59,
399.
Rum, 349.
prohibited by
desire, 292.
why it is physic, 348.
324.
R.
87,
their
. is weak, 299.
449, 299, 309.
j 348, 362, 3638.
belong to, 3800.
many, 308.
indulged, 310.
307, 394.
Sodomy unknown, 305.
INDIAN TRIBES.
Iroquois, 279.
Keyawees, 3438.
Pasquotanks, 314.
403, 345, 356.
convey, 334, 383.
they help, 340, 344, 358
394, 333, 331. f
stopped by English, 31.
405 tame the wolf, 119. ;
411 182.
412 317, 323, 324, 340.
Pnvious not, 353.
469, 294.
484 353, 354.
501 336.
509 319, 341.
514 281, 354, 341.
516 not 309.
523 844, 355.
DSS | 22281800 |
528 352.
5389 298, 344.
542 338, 340, 348, 3538, 372
548 318, 353. “4
563. ideas on, 298, 301.
cool, not passionate, |
respect, 310.
at meals, 347.
childbearing, 307.
good sense, 293.
449, 329, 347.
Indian life has charms t¢
300.
what they value, 353
get all they can, 348.
excel Europeans, 33
347, 350, 3538, 356.
Europeans corrupt them
check improvement,
treat them ill, 314,
rn
601.
Sapona, 3438. }
Toteras, 348.
Sinegars, 279.
Index.
417
WORDS DEFINED.
Indians cubit, 338.
Peak, 338.
Porcelan, 338.
Roanoke or Ronoak, 338.
T c¢ 306.
d 307.
@ d 281.
A da 345.
Ee 378.
TE8283, 310; 330.
capacities great, 281.
> 283, 330, 346, 407.
names of months, 309.
winds, 356.
persons, 308.
hieroglyphics, 317, 334, 358.
speak English, 46, 283, 346.
r 45.
8. feed, 310.
9. 244, 337.
25, 326, 329, 332, 334, 342.
Seon is ooo:
going to, 315.
301, 321.
VII. K dance, 325.
93, 321.
34. scalping, 320.
34, 339, 341, 352, 378.
Husquenaugh, 405.
for adultery, 298, 302.
incest, 305.
scalping, 320.
51 Cyprians, 295 to 305, 334.
59 282, 341, 342, 350.
VIL. n 283.
57 284.
63 335, 369, 381.
69 301, to 306.
40. 376, 379.
Quiozoson, 376, 385.
76. 287, 289. 326, 401.
measure, 349.
eradles, 307.
fish gigs, 365.
77. Physicians, 344.
81. 68, 70, 84, 89, 96, 288, 311, 332,
340, 362, 363, 401.
85. 287.
AO:
superstition, 327.
circumcision, 368.
God, 318, 377.
death, 319, 382.
@® Councils, 322, 329, 334.
VII. ha, 329, 331.
= 349.
II. a 326, 333.
music, 328.
maps, 358.
3 checked by Europeans, 314.
mechanics, &¢., 42, 66, 67, 71,
Say tedyllOley Pople siley aRily
348, 364, 365.
r dyes, 279.
tanning, 364.
agriculture, 289, 327.
firing woods, cause, 361.
122 ols
t. 319, 329, 362, 367.
making a fire, 329, 345, 361.
v of meat, 401, 340.
r a_ 284, 317, 323.
a mode of reckoning time, 308.
b compass to stear by, 356.
9. 393:
poison, 322.
for arrows, 116, 394.
art of, 351.
inflammations, 21.
Ulcers, 76, 395.
Wounds, 66.
Yaws, 396.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
MhesNaturalpeistory,/ of Northy Carolinas s/c od wie eel siete oianeieale i
Phe Corn | OL MNORCH MCAPOM ME eich Cai ak se aisha lalelsiakut a lel onettateame ake |
PHS) DT CSENEYS TATE OL GO Miranda ewe we lulelievics acolo ele re ebelel ls tells ela tad eeu 27
The religion, houses, raiment, diet, liquor, firing, diversions, com-
modities, language, diseases, curiosities, cattle, etc, of North
Carolina iy yy es ys te RC OUMNH UN LAR CO Hace HAN TAU Jae NLR TMU Be a 35
IVE \VELESTADLES ee ee ee Mune MeN Ia a ea ee aa a 57
Beasts. (Reptiles) (IMSeets yi sale tO eo UMC IN) EEN aa 107
1 53) of FSR oa a en Lao SPA Vee NR eM DA ON aD 25) 171
DEAE) 0 DRA CO LA ORL a ATA AES IG OSS RT ye es la 6 215
Advantages and disadvantages of N. Carolina.................. 251
1516 UK2 1 ets Maan OD Ne een ONMIE ISON SI EMI y Mann CMa ete CS cs ata el | PAT (
Pit Ree ah
if ‘
KS Lepr
eit ee
hist aac
‘ y
L
Di bine Se. Rie ne are be ee
Se. Gue,e ae
PLP Po Mat, CaF oe Oe ho ae